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J 



PHARO NNIDA; 



Air 



HEROIC POEM. 



IN 



M)it ^(mh»* 



BT 



WILLIAM CHAMBERLAYNE. 



'l<nafj ^9v^§a voXA« 7Jyu9 IrvfMtcn ofJLotai» 

HOH. ODY8. lib. six. 



vol.il 



LONDON; 

ۥ fHAPFK^E, 66, PALL MALL, BOOKSELLER TO THE 
king's most EXCELLENT MAJESTY^ 

1820. 



W» M^DqwoUj Printer i Pcmberion Row^ Gou^ S<iuare> 



PHARONNIDA. 



BOOK III. 



eantB t^e JFiv^h 



ARGUMENT. 

Beneath the povreHiil tyranny of love, 
Whilst the fair princess weeps out every star 

In pleasure's sphere, those dark clouds to remove^ 
All royal pastimes in it practised are* 

Amongst whose triumphs, that her train might lend 
Her ihcir attendance in the shades of grief, 

Passion brings some so near a fatal end. 
That timely pity scarce aifords relief. 

SOME months now spent, since, in the clouded court 
Of sad Pharonnida, each princely sport 
Was with Argalia's absence masked within 
Sables of discontent, robes that had been 
Of late her chiefest dress : no cheerful smile 
£*er cheered heir brow ; those walks^ which were ere- 
while 



6 PHARONNIDA. Book III. 

The schools where they disputed love, were now 
Only made use of, when her grief sought how 
To hide its treacherous tesir: the unfilled bed 
O* the widow, whose conjugal joy is fled, 
I' the hot and vigorous youth of fancy, to 
Eternal absence, sooner may renew, 
(Though she for tears repeated praises seeks). 
The blooming spring of beauty on her cheeks. 

When bright plumed Day on the expanded wings- 
Of Air approaches, Light*s fidr herald brings 
No overtures of peace to her; each prayer 
In pious zeal she makes, a pale despair 
In their celestial journey clogs. But long 
Her feeble sex could not endure these strong 
Assaults of passion, ere the red and white. 
Vanquished, from beauty's throne had took their flighty. 
And nought but melancholy paleness left 
To attend the light of her dim eyes— bereft 
Of all their brightness; pining agues in 
The earthquake of each joint, leaving within 
Tlie veins more blood than dwelt in her*s which beat 
The heart*s slow motions with a hectic heatr 

Long passion*s tyrant reigns not, ere this change 
Of mirth and beauty, letting sorrow range 
Beyond the circle of discretion, in 
Her father that suspicion which had been 
Kindled before, renewing, he removes 
His court to her's; but the kind visit proves 
A paroxysm unto that strong disease 
Which combats in her blood. No mirth could please 



(Umto L PHAEONNIDA. 7 

Her troubled soul, since barred society 
With all its better angels^gone to be 
Attendant on Argalia; she beholds 
Those studied pleasures i/vhich the prince unfolds 
His love and greatness in, with no delight 
More smooth than that a sullen anchorite. 
Which a harsh tow hath there enforced to dwell. 
Sees the cold wants of his unhaunted cell. 

Amongst these sports, whose time-betraying view 
Ravished each pleased spectator, the &ir clew 
Contracts some sable knots, of which my pen 
Is only one bound to unravel. When 
War had unclasped that dreadful book of her's. 
Where honored names in sanguine characters 
Brave valour had transcribed, fiur virtue fixed 
Euriolus in honoris orb, and mixed 
Him with the court's bright stars: but he who had. 
Whilst unregarded poverty had clad 
His virtues in obscurity, learned how 
To sail in fortune's boisterous storms, is now 
By her false smiles becalmed aud sunk, before 
Desert (bound thither) touched love's treacherous shore. 

, r the playful freedom of their youth, when she 
Was only a fair shepherdess, and he 
A humble swain, he truly did adore 
The &ir Florenza; but aspired no more. 
Since poverty clogged love's ambitious wing. 
Than by his private muse alone to sing 
Her praise—with such a flame of wit, that they 
Which have compared, say, envied Liaura may 



Tf » 



Look pale yfiih spleen, to hear those lines expressed. 
Though in her great Platonic raptures dressed. 

But now his worth* by virtue raised, did dwell 
High as his hopes, and that a parallel 
To her's appearing; either's merits had 
A climax to preferment, and thus clad 
Virtue in honor*s robes; which equal fate 
Gave his affection language to relate 
What their disparity kept dumb: nor did 
Those motions find acceptance, such as chid 
Them for presumption, rather *twas a frost 
Of virgin ice, than fire of pride that crost 
His masculine desires; her eyes unfold 
So much of passion, as by them she told 
Who had most interest in her heart, which she 
From all brave rivals his resolves shall be. 

*Mongst those, Mazara, one whose noble blood 
Enriched the gems of virtue, though they stood 
In honor's altitude, was chief; nor could 
A nobler choice, were her affections ruled 
By worth, commend her judgment,— his fresh youth 
Being crowned, with virtues which might raise a truth 
Above hyperboles; his nature mild. 
As was the galless dove, yet not the wild 
And furious Hon, when provoked, could have 
More daring valour; an untimely grave. 
Whilst it i' the embryo was, to every vice. 
But unto virtue a fair paradise; 
Whose weedless banks no pining winter knew 
Till death the influence of warm li£^ withdrew. 



Canto L rtlARONNlDA* 9 

That sympathy of meeting virtues, which 
Did both their souls with equal worth enrichy 
Twixt him and brave Euriolus had tied 
A league not to be broke,— could love divide 
His blessings amongst friends; but that of all 
Our passions brooks no rival: fear may call 
Friends to partake of palsies, anger strives 
To fire each neighbouring bosom, envie thrives 
By being transplanted, but a lover's pure 
Flames, though converted to a calenture. 
Unwillingly with the least flame will part— 
Although to thaw another^s frozen heart. 

Few 'mongstthe observant wits o'the court yet knew 
(Though it vnth twisted eye-beams strengthened grew 
Afevery interview, and often dropped 
Some tears to water it) whose love *twas stopped 
Mazara^s suit. Euriolus, to her 
Whose melting pity only could confer 
A cure, unlocks the secret; whilst the other, 
More confident to win, ne'er strives to smother 
A passion so legitimate, but, by 
All actual compliments, declares how high 
He prized her virtues: but this worthy's fate 
Fixed him in love's intemperate zone; too late 
The pining firuit was sown, the spring so far 
Being speaU its days were grown canicul&r. 
Scorching all hopes, but what made able were 
By fruitful tears— love's April showers, to bear 
Neglect's untimely frosts; which oft have Itst, 
In bloomy springs^ the unhappy lover's cost. 



10 PHARONNIDA. BockllL 

When tJufl accomplished youth, whote tongue fmd 
pen. 
With n^atives more firm and frequent thenr 
Cursed usurers give unpoverished cUents, oft 
Had been repulsed, truth for discovery brought 
This accident— Within the royal court 
Of bright Pharonnida, a fiill resort 
Of vahant knights was met, convened to try - 
Whose valour fortune meant to glcnrify. 
Of which selected number there was one. 
Who, though a stranger, virtue soon made known 
To all, *cause feared of most; his valour had. 
Before the first triumphant day unclad 
The silver-vested hemisphere, been oft 
Clothed in the ornaments of honor; — brought 
On fame^s fiiir wings from the opposing part, 
Uncresting them to crown his high desert. 
But now, when this pew constellaticm near 
Its zenith drew in honor's hemisphere. 
Called thither by deciding lots, the brave 
Euriolus appears, whom victory gave 
In the first shock success, and placed his name 
In the meridian altitude of fame ; 
Where, though the valiant stranger prove no foe 
So fortunately valiant to overthrow 
The structure of his &te, yet his closed stars 
Now sink a mine, to which those open wars 
But easy dangers were. Mazara, in 
His crest, a scarf that formerly had been 
Known for Florenza's, seeing, jealous love 
Converted into rage, his passions move 



CmUq I. PHARONNIDA. 1 1 

Above the sphere of reason, and, what late 
Was but a gentle blaze, by altered fate. 
Fires to a comet, whose malignant beams 
Foretold sad ills, attending love's extremes. 

Loath to betray his passions in so great 
' A breach of fHendship, to a close retreat 
Mazara summons forward rage ; yet in 
The stranger's name, whose fortune might have been 
' The parent of a private quarrel, sends 
To call Euriolus, (who now attends 
Nought but triumphant mirth), unguarded by 
Applauding friends, in secret fight to try 
What power did him from threatening danger guards 
When public feme was victory's reward. 

This fatal scroll received by him that thought 
It real truth, since passion might have sought 

* In him the same delay, a swift consent 
Returns his answer. But the qiessage went 
So fer fh)m its directed road, that, ere 

It reached Mazara's, loose neglect did bear 

* It to Carina's ear; — ^a lady that 

In silent tears her heart had offered at 

His virtue's shrine, yet with such secret zeal,- 

Her eyes forbid their cupids to reveal 

That language of her heart She knew that ia 

Florenza's sea of merits, her's had been 

Shipwrecked and lost; yet, with a soul as for 

From envying her, as hating him, this war 

Of fectious passions she maintains, and since 

Reason now wanted language to oonvince 



r 



1 2 FHARONNIDA. Bo<^ fit. 

Those headstrong rebels^ she resolves to be. 
Though ruiaedy ruled by their democracy. 

The information her officious maid 
Had from Mazara's careless page betrayed. 
Assures Carina-the preceding night. 
Such horse and armour as the stranger knight 
Euriolus had conquered in, had been 
By his most cautious diligence within 
A not far distant wood, in whose black shade 
He meant his fiury should his foe invade. 
Lodged by his master. Which discovered truth. 
Frightening her tears from the swift chase of youth 
And beauty into froward age, to meet 
Sorrow in private shades, withdraws the sweet 
But sad Carina, who resolves to spend 
Her sighs unnoted by her dearest friend. 

This in Florenza, who foresaw that nought 
But passions more than common could have wrought 
So swift a change, works high; who, that she might 
Displume these ravens ere the babes of light 
Smile in their weeping mother's face, prepares 
To see Carina: who, with wakeful cares, 
(Her sad companions) by her friend surprised. 
No longer in their ebon veil disguised 
Her thoughts' pure candor; but with looks that did 
Seem to implore assistance, whilst they chid 
Her own indulgent nature, shows her how 
Preposterous love made her to passions bow. 
Whose fruit, since none of her first planters came 
From forward man^ could be but female shame* 



Cpmto L PBARONMIDA. 13 

This, with (tg ^^^ author, known, to free J 

Her friend from shame, herself from cruelty, * 

Unto Mazara, whose firm lore attends | 

Her least commands, incensed Florenza sends. ' 

Whose zeal-transported soul no sooner hears 
That welcome sound, but, though presaging fears 
Prompt him to stay, least haughty honor fall. 
Ruined by fiune, he lets her standards fall 
Before commanding love, and goes to wait 
On 's honored mistress. But this sly deceit 
Of hope no cordial proves unto the sad 
Carina's grief; the Icmg experience had 
Of his affection to Florenza, tells 
Her doubtful soul—those even parallels 
Could not by all her friend's persuasions be 
Wrested into the least obliquity. 

Which sad mistrust did love precipitate 

On paths whose danger frights protecting fate. 
Assured the combat's hour drew on, and that 

Mazara's love-sick soul was offering at 

Florenza's shrine, and by that willing stay 

Might be enforced some minutes to delay 

The time, in which his readier opposite 

Expected him, she, being resolved to write 

Affection in her blood, with love's wild haste 

Makes toward the lists; there finds his armour placed 

Within the dark shade of an antient wood. 

In whose black breast that place of horror stood 

Where they appoint to meet, hke those of &te 

Obscure and dark, by beasts and birds that liate 



14 PHAttONNlDA. Book UL 

The light alobe frequented; batloyehad 
Displumed fear*s haggars: being resolved, she clad 
Beauty's fiur pearl, where smooth delights did dwell, 
I* the rough-cast mould of that Cyclopian shell. 

But that no arms nor bounding steeds aflfright. 
Where love's fm hand hath valour's pasqport writ. 
Here we should pause, and pity her that now 
Fancy beholds, whilst she is learning how 
To manage stubborn steel within her sleek 
And polished hand, through devious paths to seek 
For doubtful dangers, such whose horrid shape 
On man's best judgment might commit a rape. 

Her swift conductor, love, ere this had brought 
Her to the place, where passion had not sought 
Long for the object of her hate, ere she 
Her valiant brother, that was come to be 
His fame's protector, sees, but so disguised 
In's arms, that both, with envy unadvised 
By knowledge, an unthought of guilt prepare 
In blood to meet. Their foaming horses were 
Now freed from the commanding rein, and in 
Their full career; but love in vain to vnn 
The field from valour strives, her eager haste 
But argues such an envy as did waste 
Itself in weak attempts; which, to the length 
Of power extended, &lls beneath the strength 
Of her victorious foe, whose fortune had 
In robes of joy, what he must weep for, clad. 

Conquered Carina, now dismounted, lay 
Struggling for Hfe; whose fortress to betray 



Canto I. PHAROKMID A. 1 5 

Toward nature^s tyrant, death, her blood transporti 

False spirits throu^ their purple salliports. 

Her brother, with an anger that was grown 

Into disdain— his fury should be shown 

On such resistless subjects, ere he knows 

How much of grief his soul to sorrow owes 

For this unhappy act, from*« finished course 

Was now returning, not by strength to force 

The harsh commands of tyrant victors, but 

By calm advice a bloodless end to put 

To that ill-managed quarrel : but before 

He there arrives, to make his sorrows more 

When truth unveils their dark design, a knight. 

With haste as speedy as the secret flight 

Of wrath when winged fh>m angry Heaven, he saw^ 

Bolted into the lists; who soon did draw 

Too near, in sober language to dispute 

Their £ital quarrel. Both with rage grown mute^ 

Disdaining conference, found no place for words 

Amidst the mortal language of their swords; 

Which, the first «^ock passed o*er and lances broke. 

In haste took place, and at each furious stroke 

TJnbayed the fountains of their blood, to stain 

With purple guilt the flower-enamelled plain. 

Whilst esyfAk 4id thus with silent rage employ 
An art-directed fury to destroy 
The other*s strength, the bordering shadows weep 
In trickling dews, and with sad murmurs keep 
Time with the hollow and ill-boding note 
Sent from ^ fatal rayeii*s «tretched-out throat. 



le ^BABONNIDA^ Bboh III. 

^(V]iich from an old osJ&*8 withered top did sing 

A baleful dirge. But these sad omens bring 

No terror to their busy thoughts, which were 

Too much employed in action, to take care 

For any danger more remote than what 

With the next stroke might fall. Perceiving that 

Their horses faint, they both dismount, and do 

On equal terms the fight on foot renew, . 

Till a cessation, from the want of breath 

Not valour, was enforced. The veD, which death 

Contracted from those steams his reeking blood 

Breathed forth its spirits in, already stood 

Over Mazara's eyes, which clouded sees 

Not that approach of night; his trembling knees 

Stagger beneath their fainting load, which in- 

T the grave had dropped, had not their fury been. 

When its last heat was with life's flame near ^ut, 

From further rage restrained by accident 

Some of the lost Carina's frighted friends. 
Fearing those ills which desperate love attends. 
Spending that morning in the fruitless quest 
Of her had been, and now (their hopes distrest 
With vain inquiries) to communicate 
Their grief returning were; which secret fate 
To interpose, through dark meanders brought 
Neglect to find what care in vain had sought. 

Whilst yet no more than brave humanity 
Prompts them to part a quarrel that might be 
Defiled with blood, which, if not shed in wars. 
With murder stains what it doth gild with scajrs» 



They toward them fawle^ eren in that critical 
And damgemMM MiBule when Mazan's &U» 
With vidMryV hnirek^ to adorn hit crest. 
His valiant fritad had robbed of ftitnre rest. 
Had not this hiest relief of iraioceiice. 
The one fnmt deaihy the other Arom expetme 
Of tears, re^ifMiifld, before nereiigie faod found 
So much of giiill aftnight his cenaeienee woond. 

His high-wre«ghit rage stopped by too nany haMb 
To vent itofaeait, EutIoIub nowstaada, 
Shook wiHl the fever of his anger, tiH 
Those friends^ which saw Mazutt grow» so iH 
With wounds to gasp fer brea^ by giving way 
For air, they to liie victarV view betray 
His bert of ftiends. At which afflteting sights 
Cursing ^K esRMe of Hial unhappy fight, 
His sword as guilty tiirown aside, he hastes 
To his rdkf ; in which kind aet none wastea 
Their friendly hdp: Kfe^ as but stolen fipompaift 
Behind the ved of death, appean again 
On nature's frontien; whose returning fiane. 
Though scMce qf sttengtti to warn, looked red widi 

shane^ 
When he so many well-known friends beheld, 
Sad witnesses, how moch Iris passios swelled 
.A.Dove wse BaMffs^ wneve resBon niouitf anvc scsmi^ 
When to that meet i ng it has friend betrayed. 

Their veiii of steel removed^ each now beholds 
What shame and wonder in firm coDtracta ftUb. 

VOL. II. c 



18 PHARONNIDA. Book IIL 

Amazed stands brave Euriolus to see, .' 
None but his friend— his hoi(^ed friend should be 
The parent of that quarrel ; shame CQnfi>und8 
Mazara more, and from internal wounds, . 
Though like the, Red Sea's springs his other bled. 
Perhaps less danger, but more torment bred. 
Both now by. his unforced confessicm knew 
Whose equal-honored beauty *twas that drew 
Them to this fatal combat^ whose event. „ j « ^ 
Him near the grave on love's vain errand "bent 

Friendship renewed in strict .embraces, they 
Are now arrived where weak Carina lay» 
So fiunt with love's phlebotomy that sh^ 
Masked in forgetful slumbers, could notrsee 
Approaching shame; which, when discovered, sticks 
Life's Mr carnations on her death-like cheeks. 

Hasting to see what over-forward rage 
That unknown stranger's weakness did engage 
In that unhappy quarrel, they beheld, 
At the first glance, an object that expelled 
Into the shades of sorrow's wilderness 
All temperate thoughts:— his sister's sad distress. 
Wrought by his arm whose strength betrayed her 

near 
The grav^ did>to Euriolus appear. 
Dreadful as if some treacherous friend had shown 
Those flames in which his scorched companions groan. 
Nor did Mazara, though but prompted by 
Pity, that tender child of sympathy. 



i 



OantQ I, FHARONNIDA. 19 

With less relenting sorrow live to see 

LoTe*s bloody trophies, though unknown to be 

By his Tictorious beauty reared. To save 

From the cold grasp of an untimely grave 

So ripe a vii^in, whilst her brother stands 

Unnerved with grief, amongst the helpful .hands 

Of other friends are his employ edt till, by 

Their useful aid, fled life returns to tiy 

Once more the actions of the world, before 

It shot the gulph of death; but cm the shore 

Of active nature was no sooner set, 

But that, together with the hght, she met 

Her far more welcome lover. Whom whilst she 

Beholds with trembling, Heaven, resolved to free 

A su£fering captive, turns his pity to 

So much of passion, as ere long love grew 

On the same stem; whose flowers to propagate 

She in these words uncurtains mystic fate:— 

** Forbear your aid, brave sir, and let me di^ 

Ere live the author of a prodigy 

That future times shall curse ! Yet pardm me. 

Dear brother. Heaven will ne*er impute to thee 

The guilt of blood— *twas my unhappy love . 

Which raised this stonn; whicliy if my prayers may 

prove 
In death successful, let me crave of you. 
Dear sir, to whom I long have borne a true 
But indiscreet afiection, that from hence. 
For poor Carina's sake, for this expoise 



20 PkiAitON3ni>A. Book m. 

Of tears and blood, you would preserre tbose dear 
Respects of friendsKip, flkat did once aj^pear 
Confirmed betwixt yon ; aiid, alttHmgb my ftle 
Unto the woftt of ilk precipitate 
My fame and life, oh! let my name not be 
Offenmre to your ear. This^ this for me. 
Is all you shall perform/'-r Which spote, she'd Id 
Her hovering sou) forth, to have paid ^e debt 
Of nature to the grave, had not she been 
By some asemting friends^ whilst ditoppnig in. 
Staid at the last step» and brought back to meet 
The bridal pair, no single winding sheet. 

This doubtftil combat ended, tliey sm to 
The court conveyed ^ where Fame, upon Hm new 
Text commenting, in variMms charaieten 
Transcribes her sense: — some this bold act of ber's 
Term vnbeconung passion^ others bmve 
Heroic love. But what most comfort gave 
To curecT Carina, was, that thiff loat blood 
Had proved love's balm, and in a purple flood 
Washed from her heart grieTs sable stains; for now 
Merit had taught her dear Mazaira how 
To prize her virtuous love, and for its sake 
Its cabinet her heart's best temple make. 

Thus passion-s troubled sea had settled in 
A smooth and gentle calm^ had there not been 
Unhappily, to blast their sweet content. 
Not long before an act, for th' banishment 
Of all such courticn, made, as should, witiiout 
A licence from the council, fight about 



Canto J. PHAAONNfUA. 21 

Whatever fomte ^uarrd. But not Mb 
Mazara or hm aew ckoioe frigiite — tbeir Ub 
Stood OD mone firm fooniktioiis ikxa tke ciniit*« 
Uncertain fiivora werei wimse glorious sporti 
Although he left, it was not to retire 
To sullen caies ; what honor could lequaie, 
A state, which called him her unqnestioned loid. 
Without depending ikrors, did affoid. 

But whilst we leave this noble loyer, by 
This mandate freed firam what before did tie 
Unto a troublesome attendance, we 
From brave Euriolus are forced to be 
With sorrow parted, since the general love 
His virtue had obtained, wants strength to move 
The ponderous doom. Ere his impoverished heart. 
Grown poor in streams, could from life's springs impart 
Warm blood enough for his pale cheeks to drink 
A health to beauty, he 's enforced to think 
Of that sad theme of parting; on whose sense 
His grieved soul dictates sighs, yet could dispense 
Even with its harshest rigor, were there but 
Any exception in it, that might put 
Out parting with Florenza, that though he 
Were shrunk into his former poverty, 
Calling the rugged frowns of fiite, would bear 
A brow unclouded with ambition's care. 
But he must go:— not all the rhetoric 
Oftempting love could plead agams the quick 
Approach of time; whose speedy motimi now 
Only some slippery minutes did allow 



22 PHARONNIDM Bo^k till- 

Their parting tears: in whose exalted flood. 
Had reason not with future Xkopen withstood 
The rinng stream, love's summer fruits had been, 
Overwhelmed with grief, for ever buried in 
A deluge of despair; but that, whikt slie^ 
With such sad looks as wintering Seythians see 
The sun haste toward the arctic pole, beholds 
His slow departure, glimmering hope unfolds 
Twilight, which now foretels their frozen fear — 
Day may return to love's cold hemisphere. 



END or FIRST CANTO. 



CoMtoIL PHARONNIDA. 23 



<ttanto tfi« ^ttt^xa* 



ARGUMENT. 

The princess, by nnlacky aecident, 
HaTing Lore's secret embassies betrayed' 

To her great father, by that action spent 
That stock of hope which promised fiitnre aid; 



His n^ being to snch rash extremes inflamed. 
That he, whose mandates none dnrst disobey; 

As if his power were of snch acts ashamed. 
Shrinks from 't himself, and pooriy doth betray. 

IF angry Age, the enemy to love. 
Tells thy grave pride—thy judgment is above 
What with contempt, although it injure truth. 
Thy spleen miscals the vanity of youth; 
If harsh employment, gross society*— 
.That feast of brutes, make thee an enemy 
To love— the'souFs cx>mmercive language, then 
Remove thy eye, whilst my unenvicd pen. 
That long to passion hath a servant been» 
Confines flie fiiir Pharonnida*s within 
These paper limits^ Frozen still she lies 
Beneath oppoting pasaioBs; her bright eyes. 



24 PHARONKIDA. Maek ///« 

Those stars whose best of influence scarce had power 

To thaw what grief congealed mto a shower 

Of heart-disbarthening tears, their influence spend 

In sorrow's polar circles, and could lend 

l*fo light to beauty's world. T the vigorous reign 

Of this pale tyrant, whilst she did renuuA 

Unlightened with a beam of comfort, in 

A bower being set, that formerly had been 

Her seat when she heard tlie unhappy news 

Of parting with Argalia; whilst she views 

She blames the guiltless shadows^ who^ to ask 

Pardon, in trembling murmufs did unnaak 

l^eir naked ttaiba^ and «catt»ed at her feet 

The fragrant veil; in 's death-bed sat the sweet 

But pining vose^ each grass its heavy head* 

Laden with tears, ^did hang, whitet her eyes shad 

A pattern to instmet them. Heaee, whikt she 

Looks thorough on a way conceived to be 

The same her lord maiched with his army when 

He left Geienza, with a haste mmre then 

A common traveller, she sees one post 

Towards her ooort; whose visage had not lost 

Its room within her memory— 4ie*s known 

Argalia's page. And now, each minute grown 

A burthen to her thoughts that did defier 

A nearer interview, the messenger 

Arrives, and to her eager view presenhi 

His master's letters: whoae endosfid oooteals 

Are now the otfect her expecting soul 

Courts ,with desire, nor doth she long control 



I 

1 



iUrlbnraMl¥tfte<— A dianMnd hem^; bf 
The mesBeDger leCumedy wliose wortk BiigM vie 
Price with an Indian fleet when it sails slow 
WiHitigfilteringbiiitiiett. Thoogh ench word o*er« 

flow 
With joy, whilst her inquisitive diseourse 
Was on thii pleasing theme, time did enlbpce 
The page's swift depaiture; who, widi all 
Affected epithets that lore can call 
To gild inveutiop, when it would express 
Things more sublime dian mortal h«ppineiB» 
Is gone to carry his expecting lord 
What pleasure could, when rarified» afford. 
Whilst this sweet joy was only clothed in fresh 
BloMons of hope, like louls ere mixt with fleshy 
She only by desire subsisted; but 
Now to her chamber come, and having shut 
The treacheroos door, from ^e conjugnl seal 
The white lipped paper freed, doth soon reveal 
Lovers w^come erabassies^-^She readi» and, by 
Each line transported to an ecstacy. 
In fimcy's wild meanders lost the way 
She rashly entered; fiunt desire would stay 
At every word in amorous sighs to breathe 
A love-sick groan, but she is yet beneath 
The mount of joy, and must not ve0t until 
Her swift-paced eye had climbed the flowery hHi; 
Which now passed lightly o'er, with an intent 
Of a review tp its best ovaament. 



2S pharonnida; BbokllU 

His name, she coines; which whiktlMitlied in the balini 

Of frag^rant kisses, fh>m joy*s gentle calm 

She thus is startled-^A redoubled groan. 

That sign of neighbouring.sorrow, though unknown 

From whence, affrights her soul; but she too soon. 

Too sadly knows^the cause.' The height' of noon 

Raged in reflected heat, when, walking in 

Those outer rooms, her £ither long had been^ 

In es^ctation of her sight; but not 

Finding her there, a golden slumber 'got 

The start of 's meditati[on»: to comply - 

With whose calm counsel, he did softly lie 

Down on a stately couch, whose glittering pride 

A curtain from the public view did hide. 

Where, having plucked from off the wing of Time 

Some <^her softest down, the dews, that climb 

In sleep to stop each ventricle, begin 

To steal a soft retreat: hovering within 

His stretched-out limbs sleep*s vapors lie; his hand 

Rubs frem his eyes those leaden bolts that stand 

Over their heavy lids; which scarce was done,. 

When first suriurised Fharonnida begun 

To read her letter, and by that sad chance 

Betray her love. Passion strove to advance 

Her father from his lodging when he first 

Heard the discovery, but though anger thirst* 

For swift revenge, yet policy persuades 

Him to hear further, ere his sight invades 

Her troop of pleasures. Whose thin squadrons broke 

By what she'd heard, before she could revoke 



Canto It. PHARONNfBAV 2% 

Her yanquished spirits, that were fled to seek 

Protection in her heart, robbing her cheek 

Of all the blood to waft in ; whilst she stands 

A burthen to her trembling legs, her hands 

Wringing each other's ivory joints, her bright 

Eyes scattering their distracted beams, the flight- 

O' the curtain from her flither*s angry touch. 

Discovers whence that groan, which caused so much' 

Her wonder, came. Grief and amazement strives 

Awhile with love, which socm victorious drives 

Those pale guests from her cheeks; unto whose aid 

Her noble heart, secure from being betrayed* 

By its own strengtii, did- send -a quick supply 

Of its warm blood; her conscience knows not why 

To fear, *cause knows no guilt, nor could have been 

By love so virtuous e'er drawn near a sin. 

But as the evening blushes for the rude 

Winds of the ensuing day, so fortitude* 

Upon the lovely roses that did grow 

Within her face, a deeper dye -bestow 

Than fear could e'er have done, and did presage 

The ensuing storm's exagitated rage. 

Silent with passion, which his eyes inflamed. 
The prince awhile beholds her, ere he blamed 
The frailty of aflection ; but at length. 
Through the thick throng of thoughts, armed with a 

strength 
Which crushed the soft smiles of paternal love. 
He thus begins: ^ And must, oh must that prove 



i 

t 



28 PHAIIOIfNIIU« Bofk ill. 

My greatoit cnne, on wbich «iy bopes aidauied 

To raise my IwppiBeBsf Have I cefr^kied 

The plewures of a nuptial bed, to joy- 

Alone in tibee^ nor tremUed tx> destray 

My name, ao thai; advancing Ifaiae, I ini^^ 

Live io behold ny aoeptve Mte ito flight 

To a more spadoii* ewpivef . Have I spent 

My youth 1iU» grawn in debt to age, 4ie bath aent 

DiseaseB to arrest nie» Hiat imfiair 

My stiength and hopes e'er to enj^y an heir 

Which might pieserve sy name» that only now 

Must in our dusty annak live; whilst thou 

Transferrest the gkry of oiir house on one* 

Which, had not I wanned into life, had gone, 

A wKtch fi>rgatten of the world* to the eafth 

From whence he sprung? JSvt tear this monstrous btrth 

Of fimcy from thy soul, quick as thou*dst fly 

Descending wrfith, if visible,-~or I 

Shall blast thee with my anger, till thy name 

Rot in my memory; not as the same 

That once thou wert behold thee, but as some 

Dire prodigy, which to Ibreshew should oome 

All ilhi, which through the progress of my life 

Dkl cliance, were sent I lost a queen and wife, 

Thy virtuous mother,- who for her goodness might 

Have here supplied, before she took her flight 

To heaven, my better angers place; have since 

Stood storms of strong aflliction; still a prince 

Over my passions until now— but this 

Hatli proved me coward. Oh! thou dost amiss 



To grieve me «Ihi% ftnd girt.** Wkh tiiot fee sho«k 

His verereHd bead; beMds feer with a look 

Composed c^ grief uid anger, wfekh she sees 

With netting smrrow : but resolved love fkees 

Her fW>m more yielding pity. To begin 

The pn^ogue to obedienee, wlufefa within 

Hei brenflt still dwelt, thoagik swayed by love, she lEilb 

Prostrate at*s feet; lo his remeMbnniee caNs 

Her dying ino^ier*s wUI,. by wkese pale dwty 

She now conjures him not %» be unjust 

Unto that pronnie, witll whiek her pure soul 

Pled satisfied from earth, as to'contral 

Her freeilom of alfedaon. Rather she 

Desires her interest in his crown Might be 

Denied her, than the choice of one t» sway 

It in her rig^t She urges bow it nay 

Be by his virtue ftir more gl€Nrifted 

Whom she had chose, than if by marriage lied 

To any neighbouring prince, who only there 

Would rule by proxy, whilst his greaiter care 

Secured bos own inheritance. She ttfeen 

Calls to remembrance who reliered lum when 

Distressed within Alcilhius* vralls; the love 

His subjects bore Argalia, which might prove 

Her choice their happiness; with ali^ how great 

A likelihood ft was— but the retreat 

Of royalty to a more safe disgoise. 

Had showed faim ta their state*s deluded eyes 

So mean a thing. Lovers boundless rhetoric 

About to dictate more, he with a quick 



80 PHARONNIDA. Bo<^ Uh 

Ai^d fiirious haste forsake^ the rooniy his rage 
Thus boiling o*er:— '^ And must my wretched age 
Be thus by thee tormented? But take heed. 
Correct 4hy passions, or their cause must bleed 
Until he quench the flame." At which harsh word 
He leaves the room, nor could her strength afford 
Her power to rise; which whilst she strives to do^ 
Her memory adding more weights unto 
The burthen of her thoughts, her soul opprest 
Sinks in a pale swoon, catching at the rest 
It must not yet enjoy ; swift help lends light, 
Though faint and glimmering, to behold what night 
Of grief overshadowed her. You that have been. 
Upon the rack .of passion, tortured in 
The engines of forbidden love, that haye 
Shed fruitless tears, spent hopeless sighs to crave 
A rigid parentis fair aspect, conceive 
What wild distraction seized her. I must leave 
Her passion's volume only to be read. 
Within the breasts of such whose hearts have bled 
At the Uke dangerous wounds. Whilst she sits here 
Amazed with grief, know that no smiles appear 
To smooth her fdther*s angry brow : yet to 
None he unfolds his thoughts, but, bent to do 
Whatever jbis rage should dictate, to appease 
This high-wrought storm, which turned into disease 
Each motion of the brain, he only takes 
Scorn and revenge, to whose ill counsel shakes 
The quiet of the soul, to be his guides 
Thorough those night-specked walk% whose shadow 
Jiides 



CttttoU. PHARONNIIM. St 

The knguished beams of love. Awhile their strong 

Ingredients boil in *8 blood, before they throng 

The scattered thoughts into a quintessence . 

Of poisonous resolutions. First from thence 

There sprung this black disaster to attend 

Argalia*8 fortune-^He doth forthwith send 

A secret messenger t* the warlike prince 

Of Syracuse, to let him know that since 

He sent those forces to assist him in 

His war, their general, that till late had been 

The darling of his love, by arguments 

Too strong was proved a traitor, whose intentsi 

Aimed at his croign: and life. To aggravate 

His spleen the more,. he writes him word— their iate 

On thcisame ominous pinions flew, if that 

He proved successful. Having warmed, him at 

This flame of passion, he concludes with-—'* Sir, 

You guess my meaning, I would have no stir 

About despatching of hinit for he*« grown 

Strong in affection, and may call his own 

The hearts oi half my kingdom. Let this give 

Your justice power; he*s too much loved to hve.** 

The startled Syracusan having read 
These bloody lines, which had not only bred 
A new, but nourished growing envy in 
His mighty soul; a stranger to all sin 
So full of guilt, as to dissemble till 
The new made general*s just deserts did fill 
Fame*s still augmented volume, and was grown 
More legible ihan what he called his own* 



32 PKUDDNNISU. Book III. 

What m a mal pffince kwl been a bigli 
And noMe emuialiDKy kindM by 
A smaller tAastf btasto Tiituc He beholdB 
His lightmng valour, which each hour naMdi 
Examples for porterily, destroy 
What, though he tremUed at, cicales mm joy 
Within his suileM soiA; a scctet hate^ 
By envy fed, strma to unhiDge km Me 
From off its lofty pyramidiy and tkiow 
What merit raised wit* a place siore low 
Than their first step to glory: yet, wbilrt Moagiit 
But honor was engaged, disdain ne'er songfaft 
For life-exckidkig corrosivca; bat fore 
Bearing a part, two bum might sooner move 
In the same ^ere, Hun that hot guest eadnre 
A rival flaaM. Desert could not seeue 
Worth thus besieged; yet th»aceur8t intent 
Dares not unveil itself The amy sent 
By him from ftiv Geventts ere the sm 
Performed his sammer's pvngress^ had begun 
To garrison their weary force within 
Such towns as their own vnlonr first did win 
From the retired .£t(^ians. Ere this tasii 
Was fully ended, curtained in the matk 
Of merifs lawftd clatnip— rewaidt tiMve cane 
A large commission, whidi Zonmaa^s name 
Had made authentic— -That the govemnient 
Of Ardenna, a town witose strength had spenA 
The batted foe whole MdH of Ueod^ ahoidd be 
Conferred on him. By the ridnily 



Canto lU PHARONNIOA^ 33 

O'the place ireed from a tedious journey, in 
The city he arrives; and^ what had been 
Sent fh>m his prince, presents those mandates that 
Informed the ^vemor: who, frighted at 
The strange commands, lets a pale guilt overtake 
}li8 swift resolves^ till glorious hopes did shake 
Those mourning robes of conscience off; and, la 
The purple garments of a thriving sin. 
Shadows his trembling soul, least she appear 
Shook with a cold fit of religious fear. 

The discomposure of his look, which did 
Appear the birth of discontent, forbid 
Suspicion of a blacker sin. That nighty 
As being the last of *s charge, he did invite 
Argalia to remain his guest, the next 
Promising to be his; yet seeming vext 
To leave the place, thougli only to conceal 
His dark design, that did itself reveal 
To none but some selected soldiers, by 
Whose help he meant to murther him. To vie 
Its benefits with the day's, night had bestowed 
Refreshing slumbers upon all that owed 
It to the last day's labor; when, without 
Fear of approaching danger, hemmed about 
With guards of honest valour, all his train* 
Save such as mere necessity detain. 
Lodged in the city, fearless Argalia in 
The castle lies: where having tempted been 
By midnight revels, fiill crowned cups, to be 
Betrayed from reason to ebriety, 

VOL. II. D 



34 PHARONNIDA. Book III. 

But nought prevailing, he at length is led. 

Like an intended sacrifice, t* the bed 

Ordained to be his last, until the earth 

Within her womb afford him one. The birth 

O'the mom grew near her slow approach, ere all 

Those engines, by whose strength they meant his fitHy 

Could be prepared. The governor, that held 

The helm of this black mischief, had expelled 

The poisonous guilt of staining his own sword 

With blood, providing villains that abhorred 

No 8in*s contagion, though revenge did wait 

On every guilty step. That evening's bait 

Their liquid mirth had laid, although it took 

No use of reason fVom his soul, had shook 

Its laboring faculties into a for 

More sudden slumber; which composed the war 

Of wandering fancy in a harmony 

Of the concordant humors, until, by 

The sudden noise of those ordained to be 

His murderers, he wakes. Amazed to see 

His chamber so possessed, he catches hold 

On one of them, but finds his strength controlled 

By the assistance of the other: in 

The embryo of this treachery, ere their sin 

Was past to execution, he conjures 

Them to forbear so blade a deed, assures 

Them of rewards, greater than hope could call 

A debt from him that basely sought his &1L 

But deadly silence had barred up the gates 

Of every voice; those cursed assassinates 



^-^ 



CoNlo U. PH A RONNID A. 3 5 

Prepared for action were; but Heaven prevents 
That aged sin of murdering innocents 
With miracles of mercy. There was found 
Not long before an antient story, crowned 
With a prophetic honor, that contained 
This sacred truth:—" When Ardenna is stained 
" With treachery, in friendship's veil disguised, 
** Her sable tower shall be by foes surprised.** 

This known, but misconceived, to cozen &t^ 
They did unwounded bear without the gate 
The now resistless lion, that did lie. 
Like that brave prince o* the forest, fettered by 
A crew of trembling hunters. To the brow 
Of a high promontory, tliat did bow 
Its black clifts o*er tlie clamorous waves, they had 
Conveyed the noble youth. The place a sad 
And dismal horror wore; the grim aspects 
Of lowering rocks the grey-eyed sea reflects 
In ugly glaring beams; the night-raven beats 
His rusty wings, and fW>m their squallid seats 
The baleful screech-owls fly, to bear their parts 
In the sad murmur of the night Those hearts 
Custom had steeled with crimes, perhaps had been 
Here frighted to repentance, had not sin. 
Assisted by the hands of avarice, drawn 
The bridge of reason, and obscured the dawn 
Of in&nt goodness. To redeem the time 
Astonishment had lost, towards their crime 
They now themselves precipitate; the hand 
Ordained to ruin thai fair structure, and 



36 PHARONNIDA, B^ak III, 

Unrayel his life's even thread, prepares 
To strike the fatal blow; but He that dares 
Obstruct eommanded villany forbid 
The further progress of their guilt, and chid 
That pale sin in rough language of a strange 
Confused sound, striking their ears-^id change 
The ominous dirges of the night into 
A various noise of human voices. Who 
Durst in that secret place approach, *twas novr 
Too late to think on; the rock's spacious brow 
Was clouded o'er with men, whose glittering arms 
Threatened destruction, ere their swift alarms 

• Could summon slecp'-s enfeebled aid. Whilst they 
Forsake their prisoner, who becomes a prey 
To the invaders, seeking safety in 
Their flight, they fall before him .tliat had been 
Ordained to speedier ruin; enterii^g at 
The open sallyport, they give by that 
Rash act directions to the foe that mixed 
Promiscuously with them, and now had fixed 
Their standards on the gates. The castle^ in 

' Feverish alarums sweating, did begin 
To ease ber fiery stomach, by the breath 
O* the full-mouthed cannon: ministers of death 
In this hot labor busily distil 
Extracted spirits; noise and tumult fill 
The frighted city, whose fired turrets lent 
A dismal light But the assailants spent 
Tlieir blood in vain^ the soldiers that had been 
At the first trembling GX distracted in 



Canto n. PHARONNIDA* 37 

Confusion*s giddy maze, had rallied no\ir 

Their scattered spirits, and were seeking how 

To purge dishonor's stains in the bright fire 

Of rage-contracted ralour. To retire 

Unto their ships in safety, now is all 

The invaders hope for; but so many fall 

in that attempt, it leaves no triumph due 

To Fortune's temple. By this winding clew 

Of various fate, Argalia only finds- 

That stroke of death deceived ;' no hand unbinds 

His corded arms, but that which meant to lay 

Bondage as hard; so corposives do stay 

A gangrene, fed by springs of poisonous -blood. 

When reaching at the heart,, as these withstood 

The cataracts of death. With tyrants more 

Indomitable than the sea that bore 

Their black fleet, leave our hero to untie 

This knotty riddle of his fate, whilst, by- 

The ignis fatuus of a fancy led,- 

With slow-paced feet through other paths we tread. 

The tumults of the city silenced in 
A peaceful calm; what the effects had been 
Of those loud clamors, whilst all seek to know, 
Argalia'a loss makes giddy wonder grow 
Into suspicion— that this act might be 
Some stratagem o' the governor, to free 
Himself from a successor. But tliose sly 
Darts of mistrust were rendered hurtless by 
His prince's mandates, whose envoiomed hate 
That spuiioui. birth had made legitimate- 



ik^_i..^«lhlk 



S8 PHAAONMIITA. Book ilL 

Yet swift revenge affronts his treason in 
Its full career; his master, harnng been 
By him informed of a sarprisal where 
All sounds but death afiHghted, could not bear 
The burthen of his fears^ and yet not sink 
Deeper in sin. Ere the poor wreteh could thinfe 
On aught but undeserved rewards, he, by 
A brace of mutes being strangled, from the high 
But empty clouds of expectation drops, 
To let the world know what vain shadow propi 
Those blood-erected pyramids that stand 
On secret niurder^s black and rotten sand. 
When thus the Syracusan had secured 
His future &me, passion, that still endured 
A strong distemperature, slept not until 
The story of their crossed design did fill 
Palermo*8 prince's ear. Argatia's loss, 
Was now the ball that babbling Fame did toss 
Thorough the court; upon whose airy wing. 
Reaching the island, it too soon did bring 
The heavy news, disguised in robes mwe sad 
Than truth, to her, whose stock of virtues had- 
Been ventured (m that sea of merit In 
Such forms of grie^ as princes that have been 
Hurled from the splendent glories of a thrcmc 
Into a dungeon, her great soul did groan 
Beneath the weights of grief: tlte doleful tale 
Hadthunder-struekalljoy; her q^nritft exhale 
Their vigor forth ia.saghs, and fointly let 
That glorious fttbnc^ unto whMt tiiey *Be set 



Cmioir. PBARONNIDA. 39 

Sopfwrters, foU to tlie earth. Yet sorrow ttays 

Not in this frigid zone, mde grief betrays 

Her passions io her firUier's jealons ear^ 

Who, fearing least Argalia's stars might clear 

llieir smoky orbs, and once more take a flight 

From death*s cold house, by a translated light. 

To separate from sorrow, and again. 

In fbrttme's house, lord of the ascendant reign ; 

He donbts that island^s safety, and from tbenee 

RemOTCS her with what speedy diligence 

Fear conld proToke suspicion to. Her train. 

Shook with that sudden change, desire in tain 

The island^s pleasure, ere they know how much 

Their fates must differ. As it oft in such 

Unlooked for changes happens, each man vents 

His own opinion ;<^some said, discontents 

Of the young princess ; others; that the season 

O* the year was cause : but though none know his reason. 

All must obey his will. The pleasant isle. 

Whose walks, fair gardens, prospects, did beguile 

Time of so many happy hours, must now, 

A solitary wilderness whose brow 

Winter had bound in folds of ice, be left 

To wail their absence; whilst each tree, bereft 

Of leaves, did like to virgin moomers stand. 

Clothed in white veils of glittering icelets, and 

Shook with the breath of those sharp winds that brought 

The hoary frost. The pensive birds had sought 

Out springs that were unbarred with ice, and tk4ft 

Grew hoarse with cold; the crusted earth chd wear • 

A rugged armour; every bank, unclad 

With flowersi concealed the juicy roots that had 



40 PflARONNrDA. Soekllf. 

• 

Adorned their summer^s dress; the meadows* green 
And fragrant mantle, withering, lay between 
The grizly mountain's naked arms;— all grows 
Into a swift decay, as if it owes 
That tribute unto her departure, by 
Whose presence 'twas adorned. Seated did lie^ 
Within the circuit of Gerenza's wall. 
Though stretched to embrace, a castle, which they call 
The prince's tower— a place whose strength had stood 
Unshook with danger.— -When that violent flood 
Of war raged in the land hither weve brought 
Such, if of noble blood,, whose greatness sought 
From treacherous plots extension; yet^ although 
To those a prison, here he did bestow 
His best of treasure: briefly, it had been 
Unto the Spartan kings a magazine 
Since first they ruled that kingdom, and, whene'er 
A war drew near them, their industrious care 
Made it their place of residence* The hill 
'Twos built upon, with *8 rocky feet did fillt 
A spacious isthmus;, at its depth a lake, 
Supplied b'the neighbouring sea let in to make 
The fort the more impiegnable, with slow 
But a dSiep current running, did bestow 
A dreadful prospect on the bended brow 
O' the hill; which» covered with no earth, did bow- 
Its torn clifts o'er the heavy stream. The way 
That led to it was o'er a bridge, which they 
That guard it did each night draw up; from, whence 
A steep ascent, whose natural defence 
Asasted by all helps of art Jiad made 
The fatal {^ace so dangerous to mvade— r 



CMfoJfL PHARONNIDA. %l 

l^ach step a death presented. Here when he- 
Had placed his daughter, whose security 
Rocksy walls, nor rivers warranted, without 
A trusty guard of soldiers hemmed about 
The walls less hard than they. Those gentlemen 
That on her happier court attended, when 
Argalia did command them,, as too mild 
Were now discharged; their office, on a wild 
Band of those mountain soldiers, who had in 
His last great war most famed for valour been. 
Being conferred; and these, least they should be 
Forced by commands into civility, 
Bestowed upon the fierce Brumorchus; one 
Whose knotty disposition nature spun 
With all her coarsest threads, composing it 
Fes strength, not beauty, yet a lodging fit 
For such a rough unpolished guest as that 
Black soul ; whose dictates it oft trembled at 
In feverish glooms, whose subterranean fire 
Inflanied that ill-formed chaos with desire 
Its vigor to employ in nought of kin 
To goodness,, till 'twas better tempered in 
The prince's court; where, though he could not cast 
His former rudeness off, yet having past 
The filing of the courtiers* tongues, at length 
It thus far wrought him— he converts that strength; 
To*s prince's service, which till then had lay 
In passion's fetters, learning to obey 
The gentle strokes of government Though bred 
In savage wildness, nurst with blood, and fed 



42 PHARONNIBA. Booirl?/. 

With hourly rapine, since he had fonook 

Those desert haunts a firm obedience took 

Hold on *8 robustious nature, not to be 

By that effeminate wanton, flattery. 

Stroked to a yielding mildness. Which being known 

To the mistrustful prince, whose passions^ grown 

So &r above the reach of reason that 

Her strength could not support them, bending at 

Their own unwieldy temper, sunk into 

Acts that his milder thoughts would blush to do^ 

Make him from all his nobler captains choose 

Forth this indomitable beast. To use 

So harsh a discipline unto the sole 

Heir to his crown» a lady that did roll 

More virtues on thevspindle of her hfe. 

Than fate days* length of thread, had raised a strife 

So high in his vexed subjects* blood, that all 

Murmur in secret; but there 's none durst call 

His prince's acts in question: to behold 

Her prison through their tears, and then unfold 

Their friends a veil of sorrow, is the most 

Their charity durst do. But that which croat 

Distressed Pharonnida above the grief 

Of her restraint, or aught but the belief 

Of her Argalia's deatli, is — now to be 

Barred, when she wants it most, society 

With sorrowful Florenza, whilst she staid. 

The partner of her secrets, now betrayed 

By felse Amphibia to her father, and 

Banished the court, retiring, to withstand 



.C«kfo //. PHARONNIDA. 4S 

• 

The stonns of greatness, to her father's own 

Poor quiet home; which, as if ne'er she^d known= 

The beauties of a palace, did content 

Her even thoughts, at leisure to lament 

In pensive tears her wretched mistress* fate. 

Whose joys eclipsed, converts her robes of state 

To mourning sables. What delights the place 

Was capable of having, to de^e 

The characters of grief, her father strives 

To make them her*s ; but no such choice flower thrives^ 

In the cold region of her breast, — she makes 

Her prison such as their's, whose guilt forsakes 

All hopes of mercy. The slow-footed day. 

Hardly from night distinguished,^ steals away 

Few beams from her tear-clouded eyes, and those 

A melancholy pensiveness bestows 

On s^dest objects* The overshadowed room,. 

Wherein she sat, seemed but a large sized tomb», 

Where beauty buried lay; its furniture 

Of doleful black hung in it, to inure 

Her eyes to objects Uke her thoughts. In which 

Night dress of sorrow, till a smile enrich 

Impoverished beauty, I must leave her to 

Her sighs, those sad companions! and renew 

His fatal story, for whose love alone 

She dares exchange the glories of a throne*^ 



UNO OF SECOND CANTO* 



4f FHARONNIDA. Book Ilh 



Canto tttt ditrH^ 



From treachery, which two princes*' annals stained,. 

The brave Argalia by protecting fate 
Delivered, land on Rhodes* fair isle attained'. 

Being there elected champion for their stiite; 

In which design, although with victory blest. 
The common fate him soon a prisongr makes 

To a proud Turk, beneath whose power distressed. 
His virtue proffered liberty forsakes. 

THROUGH the dark paths of dusty annals,, we^ 
Led by his valour's light, return to see 
Argalia*s story r ^ho hath, since that night 
Wherein he took that strange distracted flight 
From treacherous Ardenna, performed a course 
So full of threatening dangers, that the force 
Of his protecting angel trembled to 
Support his fate^ i;rhich cracked the slender clew 
Of destiny almost to deaths His stars, 
Doubting their influence when such horrid wars 
The gods proclaimed, withdrew their languished beams 
Beneath heaven*s spangled arch. In pitchy streams- 
The heavy clouds unlade their wombs, until 
The angry winds, fearing the flood should fill 



<\mto//Z; VHARONNIDA. iS 

The air, Uie region where they ruled, did ijreak 
Their marble lodgings; nature*s self grew weak 
Witli these distemperatures, and seemed to draw 
Toward dissolution ; her neglected law 
£ach<element forgot — the impriscmed flame. 
When the clouds' stock of moisture could not tame 
Its violence, in sulphury flashes break 
Thorough the glaring air; the swoln clouds speak 
In the loud voice of thunder; the sea raves 
And foams with anger, hurls his troubled waves 
High as the moon's .dull orb, whose waning light 
Withdrew to add more terror to the night 

When the black curtain of this storm that toc^ 
The use of art away, had made them look 
For nought but swift destruction, being so vain 
For th* mariners to row that the proud main 
Scorned to be lashed with oars, to ease distress* 
The night forsook tliem : but a day no less 
Dreadful succeeds it; by whose doubtful light 
The wretched captives soon discover right 
Near them a Turkish navy ; to whose aid 
The renegadoes (having first displayed 
Their silver crescents) join. Nor did they meet 
That help untimely ; a brave Rhodian fleet 
Set forth from those, the Christian bulwarks, to 
Obstruct the Turks' invasions, was in view. 

To meet tlie threatening danger, which 'twas tiien 
Too late to wave, that miracle of men, 
l^he brave Argalia, chained unto an oar, 
Js with a thousand .noble captives more 



46 PHAROKNIDA.' Book III . 

Forced to assist damned infidels. * And now 

The well armed fleets draw near, their swift keels plough 

'The ocean's angry front First, they salute 

£ach other with their cannon; those grown mute. 

Come to more desperate fight; unfriendly bands 

Unite their vessels; the fierce soldier stands 

Firm on his hatches, whilst another boards 

His active enemies, whose ship affords 

Ko room for such unwelcome guests, but sends 

Their scattered limbs into thin air; each bends 

His s^ength to 's foe*s destruction. Plunging in 

Which bloody sweat, the Rhodians' hopes had been 

Lost with their fleet, had not kind fortune smiled 

Thus on their fear. — Whilst action had beguiled « > 

Each soul of passive cares, Argalia sees ^ 

A way to unlock his rusty chain, and frees 

Himself and fellows from their bank; which done, 

Those that continued at their oars did run 

The vessel from the rest, and, ere unto 

Tlieir sight betrayed, the trembling pirates slew. 

Then, closing with their unsuspicious foes, 

I' the vigor of the fight, they discompose 

Their well ranged fleet, and such confusion struck 

Into the van, to see tlieir rear thus shook 

With an unlooked for hurricane, that in 

A fearful haste the numerous Turks begin 

To stretch their fins and flee. But all their speed 

Was spent in vain, Argalia'iS hand had freed 

So many captives, that their gallies must 

Unto the winds* uncertain favor trust, 



C«N<« ilt PHARONNIOA. 47 

Or eke, becalmed, but feebly crawl before 

Their eager foes, who both with sail and oar 

Chaced them to ruin. Glorious victory 

Thus to the Christian party being by 

A stranger purchased, with such high applause 

As those that rescue a declining cause 

From the approach of ruin, welcomed, he 

Is now received into th* society 

Of the brave Christian order. But they not 

Long joyed in victory, ere the Turk, to blot 

The stains of being conquered out, had made 

A mighty army ready to invade 

The valiant Rhodians; where Argalia shows 

So brave a spirit, their whole army owes 

His valour for example. The Turks had oft 

Made desperate onslaughts <»i the isle, but brought 

Nought back but wounds and in&my ; but now, 

Wearied with toil, they are resolved to bow 

Their stubborn resolutions with the strength 

Of not-to-be-resisted want The length 

O* the chronical disease extended had 

To some few months, since, to oppress the sad 

But constant islanders, the army lay 

Circling their confines. Whilst this tedious stay 

From battle rusts the soldier s valour in 

His tainted cabin, there had often been. 

With all variety of fortune, fought 

Brave single combats, whose success had brought 

Honor*s unwithered laurels on the brow 

Of either party ; but the balance now« 

/ 



48 FHARONNIDA. Book III. 

Forced by t}^e hand of a brave Turk, inclined 

Wholly to'fhem. Thrice had his valour shiued 

In victory's refulgent rays, thrice heard 

The shouts of conquest, thrice on 's Jance appeared 

The heads of noble Rhodians, which had stropk 

A general sorrow *niongst the knights. All look 

Who next the lists should enter; each desires 

The task were his, but honor now requires 

A spirit more than vulgar, or she dies 

The next attempt, their valour's sacrifice; 

To prop whose ruins, chosen by the free 

Consent of all, Argalia comes to be 

Their happy champion. Truce proclaimed until 

The combat end, the expecting people fill 

The spacious battlements, the Turks forsake,} 

Tlieir tents, of whom the city ladies take 

A dreadful view, till a more noble sight 

Diverts their looks. Each part behold their knight 

With various wishes, whilst in blood and sweat 

They toil for victory. The conflict's heaJt 

Raged in their veins, which honor more inflamed 

Than burning calentures could do; both blamed 

The feeble influence of their stars that gave 

No speedier conquest; each neglects to save 

Himself— to seek advantage to offend 

His eager foe. The dreadful combat's end 

Nought but their loss of blood proclaims; their spirits 

In that reflux of heat and life inherits 

Valour's unconquered throne. But now so long 

The Turks' proud champion had endured tlie strong 



i^ 



J 



Canfy JJL PHAHGKVniA. 49 

Assaults of Hie cAcnrt dmstUm, till his sfcrength 
CooIed--on the groundy with 's blood, he fell at ]eDg;th 
Beneath his conquering sword. The barbarons crew 
O* the villainSy that did at a distance view 
Their champion's ikll, all bands of truce forgot. 
Running to succour him^ begin a hot 
And dtapent/t combat with t^ose knights that stand 
To aid ArgaKc, by whose conquering hand 
Whole squadrons of tikem iall : but here he spent 
His mighty spirit in vain, their cannons rent 
His scattered troops, who for protection fly 
T* the city gates; but, closeiy followed by 
Their foes, did there for sad oblations ilidl 
To dying tiberty. Their battered wall 
Groaned with tiie wondrous weight of lead, and \n 
Its ruins hides her battlements; within 
The bloody streets the Turkish crescents are 
Displayed, whilst all the miseries of war 
Raged in their palaces. The common sort 
Of people make tiie barbarous soldier sport 
In dying, whiM those lJ[iat survive them crave 
Their fate in vain ; here cruelty did save 
And mercy only kill, since deat& set free 
Those happier souls flrom dire captivity. 
At lengtii the unrestrained soldier tires. 
Although not satisfies his foul desires^ 
With rapes and murder. When, amongst those poor 
Distressed captives that from thence they bofe, 
Argalia lies in chains, ordained tp die' 
A sacrifice unto the cruelty 
Vol. II. E 



50 FHARONNIDA* Bwh IIL 

Of the fierce bashaw, whose loved favorite in 

Tbe combat late he slew ;; yet had not been 

In that so much unhappy, had not he. 

That honored then his sword with victory. 

Half-brother to Janusa been, — a bright 

But cruel lady, whose refined delight^ 

H^r slave, though husband, Ammurat, durst not 

Ruffle with discontent. Wherefore to cool that hot 

Contention of her blood,, which he foresaw 

That heavy news would fr4»m her anger draw. 

To quench with the brave Christian's deajth, he sent 

Him living to her, that her anger, spent 

In flaming torments, might not settle in 

The dregs of discontent. Staying to win 

Some Rhodian castles, all the prisoners were 

Sent with a guard into Sardinia, there 

To meet their wretched thraldom. From the rest 

Argalia severed, soon hopes to be blest 

With speedy death, though waited on by all 

The hell-instructed torments that could fall 

Within invention's reach. But he's not yet 

Arrived to's period^ his unmoved stars sit 

Thus in their orbs secured. — It was the use 

O'the Turkish pride, which triumphs in the abuse 

Of suffering Christians,, once, before they take 

The ornaments of nature off, to make 

Their prisoners public to the view, that all 

Might mock their miseries. This sight did call 

Janusa to her palace window, where. 

Whilst she beholds them, love resolved to bear 



Canto III. FHARONNIDA. 51 

Her ruin on her treacherous eye-beains» till 

Her heart iafected grew; their orbs did fil1» 

As the most pleasing object, with the sight 

Of him whose sword opened a way for th* flight 

Of her loved brother's soul. At the first view 

Passion had struck her dumb,, but when it grew 

Into desire, she speedily did send 

To have his name; which known, hate did defend 

Her heart, besieged with love; she sighs, and straight 

Commands him to a dungeon ; but Love*s bait 

Cannot be so cast up, though to deface 

His image in her soul she strives. The place 

For's execution she commands to be 

^Gainst the next day prepared; but rest and she 

Grow enemies about it: if she steal 

A slumber from her thoughts, that doth reveal 

Her passions in a dream; sometimes she thought 

She saw her brother*s pale grim ghost, that brought 

His grisly wounds to show her, smeared in blood. 

Standing before her sight, and, by that flood 

Those red streams wept, imploring vengeance; then. 

Enraged^ she cries-— Oh let him die. But when 

Her sleep-imprisoned fancy, wandering in 

The shades of darkened reason, did begin 

To draw Argalia's image on her soul, 

LiOve*s sovereign power did suddenly control 

The strength of those abortive embryoes, sprung 

Fropi smothered angen The glad birds had sung 

A lullaby to night, the lark was fled, 

On droq;>ing wingsy up from his dewy bed^ 



5^ PBAHONNTiDA. ^^ IIL 

To fan them in the rinug sun-beam^; eve 
Whojse early reipk, Jsmmt, tiiat ceuld b«ur 
No longer locked within her breast so great 
An arnif of rebeHJk>u» paasionsy beat 
From Rea8on*8 conquered fortress^ did mifbld 
Her thoughta to MantOy a stoitt weadb^ wbose hM 
Wity joined with zeal to serve her, had endeared 
Her to her best afiectioBS. Hiaving cleared 
All donbts with hope^ promises^ her maid, 
By whose close wiles this plot must be conveyed 
To secret action, of her council makes 
Two eunuch panders; by whose help she takes 
Argalia from his keeper's charge, as ta 
Suffer mor^ tormeniaithaa the rest should do» 
And lodged him in tfaal i^astf^ to affright 
And soften his great soul with fear. The lights 
Which lent its beams unto iSbe ^rand p]ac« 
In which, he lay^ without presents the &ce 
Of horror smeared in blood-^ A scafifbld, built 
To be the stage of murder, bluahed with guilt 
O^Christiau blood, by several torments let 
From the imprisoning veins. This object set 
To startle his resolves if good, and make 
His future joys more welcome, could not shake 
The heaven-built pillars of his soul, that stood 
Steady, though in the slippery paths of blood; 
The gloomy night now sat enthroned in dead 
And silent shadows^ midnight curtains spread 
The earth in black for what the ftiiling day 
Had blushed in fii:e, whilst the brave prisoner lay 



Canto fIL PHAROKNIDA. 53 

Circled in darkness; yet in tiiose shades upends 
The hours vf¥i!k angels^ whose aasistaBce lends 
Strength to the wings of Faith, which, mounted on 
The rock of hope, was hovering to be gone 
Towards her elemal fbontain, fh>m whose source 
Celestial love enjoined her ldw«r course. 

Whilst in this holy ecstasy, his knees' 
Bescent did mount his heart to Him that sees 
His tliougfatB developed; whilst dull shades opprest 
The drowsy hemisphere; whilst all did rest. 
Save those whose actions blushed at day-light, or 
Such wretched souls whose sullen cares ubhor 
Truce with refresMng slumbers; he beholds 
A glimmering light, whose near approach unfolds 
The leaves of darkness. Whilst his wonder grows 
Big with amazement, the dim taper shows 
What hand conveyed it thither; he imght see 
False Manto entered, who, prepared to be 
A bawd unto her lustful mistress, came» 
Not with persuasive rhetoric to inflame 
A heart congealed with death*s approach, but thaw 
Him from the frozen rocks of rigid law 
With brighter constellations, that did move 
In ipheres, where every star was fired with love. 

The siren, yet to show that she had left 
Some modesty, unrifled by the theft 
Of mercenary baseness, sadly wept— 
Her errand*s prologue; but guilt was not kept 
Within tlie curtain long, she only sat 
A mourner for the sickness of his fate 



54 FHARONNIDA* Book III. 

Until esteemed for pitifii], and then 

Prescribes this remedy :^** Most blest of men 

C«Hnpose thy wonder, and let only joy 

Dwell in thy soal; my coming *s to destroy. 

Not nurse thy trembling fears. Be but so wise 

To follow thy swift fate; and thou may'st rise 

Above the reach of danger. In thy arms 

Circle that power, whose Tadiant brightness ^ann» 

Fierce Ammuraf s anger, when his crescents shine 

In a full orb of forces^ What was thine 

Ere made a prisoner, though the doubtful state 

Of the best Christian monarch, will abate 

Its splendor, when that daughter of the nighty 

Thy feeble star, shines in a heaven of Ught. 

If life or hberty, then, bear a shape 

Worthy thy courting, swear not to escape 

By tlie attempts of strength, and I will free 

The iron bonds of thy captivity/* 

A solemn oath, by that great power he served^ 
Took and believed, his hopes no Icmger starved 
In expectation. From that swarthy seat 
Of sad despair, his narrow jail, replete 
With lazy damps, she leads him to a room. 
In whose delights Joy*s summer seemed to bloom; 
There left him to the brisk society 
Of costly baths and Corsic wines, whose high 
And sprightly tempers from cool Sherbets found 
A calm allay. Here his harsh thoughts unwound 
Themselves in pleasure, as not fearing fate 
So muchy but that he dares to recreate 



-Canto in. PHARONNIIFA^ 55 

His spiritBy by unwieldy action tired. 
With all that lust into no crime had fired. 

By mutes, those silent ministers of sin. 
His sullied' garments were removed, and in 
Their place such vanous habits laid, as Pride 
Would clothe her favorites with, she means to hide 
From those deformities, which, accident. 
On Nature's issue, striving to prevent 
Form's even progress, casts, when she would twine 
That active male with matter feminine. 

Unruffled here by the rash wearer, rests- 
Fair Persian mantles, rich Sclavonian vests* 
The gaudy Tuscan,- or transmuted shape 
Of the fantastic French— the British ape. 
The grave and constant Spaniard, all might here 
Find garments, such as princes would appear 
To grace their honored nuptials in, or tell 
Strangers how much their treasure doth exceL 
Though on this swift variety of fate 
He looks with wonder, yet his brave soul sat 
Too safe within her guards of reason, to 
Be shook with passion: that there *s something new 
And strange approaching after such astorm« 
This gentle calm assures him; but the form 
Of pleasure softens not that which the other 
And worse extreme not with fear's damps could smother.. 
He flies not with the rugged separatist 
Pleasure's smooth walks, nor doth, enjoying, twist 
Those threads of gold to fetters; he dares taste 
All mirth) but what reUgion's stock would waste^ 



His limbs, from wounds but late fecovered» oiQW 
Refreshed with liquid odors, did allow 
Their suppled nerves no softer rest, but in 
Such robes as wore l^ir omaiBeiit within. 
Veiled o'er their beauty. Linev, sinooth aad soft 
As Fhceaix' down, aiid wliiter than what's Inrougbt 
From furthest China, he puts on ; and tbeB» 
What habit custcmi made faoaahar, wbm 
Clothed in his own, makes choice of for to be 
Most honored pi that rich variety. 

In an Italian garb t* the doublet clad, 
Manto, lu9t's swift and watchful spy, ^t had 
With an officious care attaaided on 
That motion, entering, hastes him to be gone 
Toward more suUime delights.^ Which though a jnsl 
And holy doubt proclaim the road of lust, 
Knowing his better angel did attend 
Upon each st^ he vultures to descend 
The dreadful precipice so far, until 
The buriMVg vale was seen, then mounts the hfll 
Of heaven-bred fortitude, from whence disdain 
Floods of ocwtempt on those dark :fires did rain. 
His guilty copduct now had brought him near 
Janusa*s room; the glaring lights appear 
Thorough the window's crystal walls; the strong 
Perfumes of balmy incense, mixed among 
The wandering atoms of the air,, did fly ; 
Sight's nimble scouts yet were made captive by 
A slower sense, as if but to reveal 
What breathed within, those fugitives did fjeal 



CtnifiilL FHAEOMNI04. 57 

Thorough tbeir wueen nllyports,. wiaefc aovr 
Were useleti giewii;-"The cfwn doom tUow 
A free access wto tbe room* wbere ceme^ 
Such real fonns he aaw as weald aftrike dumfar 
Their AlcoraI]^'a tales of paradiBe; tliefair 
And sparkling gems T the gilded roof inpair 
Their tapert* Sirea, yet bodi themselYes confess 
Weak to those flames Jamiaa's eyes possess. 

With such a joy as foodies that do kmg 
For souls, shall meet them in the doomsday's throngs 
She ^lat ruled princea, Hiough not pessionsy sat 
Waiting her lover, on a throne whose is^ate 
£pit(nnized the eqofdre'a wealth; her robe. 
With cosdy pride, had robbed the cfaecqueved globe 
Of its most £uf and orient jewels, to 
Enhance its value; aqpitive princes, who 
Had lost their crowns, might here tiiose gems have seen. 
That did adorn them: yet she tmsls not in 
These auxiliary strengths, her confidence 
In her own beauty rests, whidi no defaice 
Of chastity ere yet withstood; and now 
She scorns to fear it, when her power did bow 
Unto a slave condemned, that ne>r could look 
To see the light, but whilst some torment took 
The use of eyes away. Whilst he draws near 
By her command, no less it did appear 
Her wonder— to behold his dauntless a^nU 
Than his— what virtue to applaud as merit. 

Placed in a seat neiur her bright throne, to stir 
His settled thoughts, she thus begins:-**^ From her . 



iS PHARONNI9A. Book III. 

Your sword hath so much injured, as to shed 
Blood so near kin to mine, that it was fed 
By the same milky fountains, and within 
One womb warmed into life, is such a sin^ 
I could not pardon, did not love commit 
A rape upon my mercy: all the wit 
Of man in vain inventions had been lost^ 
Ere thou redeemed ; which now, although it cost 
The price of all my honors, I will do:— 
Be but so full of gratitude as to 
Repay my care with love. Why dost thou thus 
Sit dumb to my discourse? It lies in us 
To .raise or ruin thee, and make my way 
Thorough their bloods that our embraces stay.*' 
This on the spur of passion spoke, she strains 
His hand in her*s; where feeling the big vein& 
.Beat with intemperate heat, conceiving it 
The strokes of lust, to aggravate the fit 
Into a paroxysm of guilt, she shows 
More than with modesty, how much she owes 
To Nature's treasure, for that ill spent stock 
Of beauty she enjoyed:— Her eyes unlock 
Two cabinets of sparkling diamonds, whic3i< 
The even foils of ebon brows enrich 
With a more orient brightness; on her cheek 
The roses, conquering the pale lily, seek 
To counterfeit a blush, but vanquished shame 
Submits to love, in whose insulting flame 
The modest virgin a sad martyr ,dies»^ 
And at Fame's wounds bleeds— Passion's sacrifice; 



CMioIIL PHARONNIDA. 59 

Nature's emboued work, her soft swelling breasts. 
Those balls of. living ivory, onprest 
Even with the weight of tiffany, displays 
Whiteness that shamed the swan's; the blood, that 

strays 
In azure channels over them, did show 
By their &weUed streams, how high the tide did flow 
Wherein her passions sailed; the milky way, 
Love*s fragrant valley that betwixt them lay» 
Was moist with balmy dew, extracted by 
The busy spirits that did hovering fly 
Thorough her boiling blood, whose raging flame 
Had scorched to death the April flowers of shame»^ 

To charm those sullen spirits that within 
The dark cells of his conscience might have been 
Yet by religion hid — that gift divine. 
The souFs composure^ music, did refine 
The lazy air; whose polished harmony. 
Whilst dancing in redoubled echoes, by 
A wanton song was answered, whose each pari 
Invites the hearing to betray the heart. 
Haviag with all these choice flowers strewed the 

way 
That leads to lust, to shun the slow delay 
Of his approach, her sickly passions haste 
To die in action. •* Come (she cries) we waste 
The precious minutes. Now thou know'st for what 
Thou'rt sent for hither, which if active at. 
Thou only liv'st in my esteem." And then. 
Oh impudence! which from the worst of men 



60 PBAROKNIDA. Book ITU 

MifjbA. feree a bluah, ahe swiftiy iiaitet to tread' 

Within Iu8t*s tropicBy her pollated bed. 

And here, black nnner, tfaoo, ^diose blood's diaeaae^ 

Of kin to heirs, wants numbera to appease A 

Its flaming calenture, blush to behold 

A virgin virtue spotless leaves unMd 

hi yonthftil volume^ whilst thy ripe yean, vpesA 

In lust, have lost thy age's ornaments 

In this, as hot and fierce a charge of vioe» 
As, since he lost the fidd in paradise* 
Man ever felt, the brave ArgaHa sits, 
With virtue cooled in passion's feverish fitst 
Yet at life's garrisons his piUaes beat 
In hot alarums, tiU, to a soft retreat 
Called by that fair commaadress,. spite of all 
Beauty's pravailing rhetcnric,. though he &11 
Ruined beneath her anger, he by this 
Unwelonne language her expected bliss 
Converts to rage :— *' And must my freedom then 
At such a rate be purchased? Rather, when 
My life expires in torments, let my name 
Forgotten die, than lire in black-mouthed fame^ 
A servant to thy lust. Go, tempt thy own 
Damned infidels to sin,.that ne!er had known 
The way to virtue: not this cobweb veil 
Of beauty, which thou wear'st but as a jail 
To a soul pale with guilt, can cover o'er 
Thy mind's defimnities; a tainted whore 
Conscience proclaim thee will, when thou shalt sit^ 
Shook with this spotted fever'stvembling fit. 



tCoRto UU PtUKONNJlDA* 6 1 

H^nt frem these gilded pleasures, tend me t» 
A dungeon dark as hell, where shadows do 
Heign in eternal silence; let these rich 
And costly robes, the gaudy trappings whieh 
Thou mean's! to clothe my sin in, be exchanged 
For sordid rags. When thy fierce spleen hath rang- 
ed 
Through all invented torments, choose the worst 
To punish my denial ; less accursed 
1 so shall perish, than if by consent 
I 'd taught thy guilty thoughts how to augment 
Their sins in action, and, by giving ease 
To thy blood's fever, took its loatlied disease." 

To have the spring-tide of her pleasures, swelled 
By lust*s salt waters, thus by force expelled 
Back to ccmfusion's troubled sea, had made 
Such troops of passion ready to invade 
An in defended conscience, that her look. 
Like a cast felon's out of hopes o' the book. 
Was sad with silent guilt. The room she leaves 
To her contemner, who not long receives 
The benefit of rest; she that had been 
The prologue unto this obstructed sin. 
With six armed slaves vi^as entered, thence to force 
Him to his dismal jail ; but the divorce 
Of life from those which first approached, joined to 
The others' flight, had put her to renew 
That scattered strength, had not that sacred tie. 
His solemn oath, from laurelled victory 



62 PHARONNIBA. Bcoft III. 

Snatched the iair wreath, and, thoagh brave valour 

strives 
To reach at freedom through a thousand Uves, j| 

At her conunand more tamely made him yield. 
Than conqueried virgins in the bridal field. 



END OF THIRD CANTO. 



CanioJV. FHARONNIDA. 63 



<ECimto ttft ;ffmvt^. 



Anger, improved by lusrs enormous flame. 
Fires vexed Janusa with such sad extremes 

Otrage, tllat her sweet sex's native shame 
Is scorched lo deatii in ^ose prodigions beams. 

Which whilst they to her angry lord betray 
Her honor's loss, such tumults in him breed. 

That both their deaths must serve for an allay; 
Whose sudden fall our Christian champion freed. 

OUR noble captive, to fair Virtue's throne 

In safety passed, though through Lust's burning zone. 

Finds in his dungeon's lazy damps a rest 

More sweet, though with the heavy weights opprest 

Of iron bondage, than if they liad been 

Love's ampifous wreaths, Janusa's arms, within 

Whose ivory circles he had slept. But she. 

Her grief composed of all malignity, 

Lust's flames unquenched converts to, whilst^ey biH*n, 

Black thoughts within her breast— that beauteous urn 

Of lust's conuption. Sometimes anger flies 

Above the jsphere of reason, and there dies 



6p4 I«A1l01«NIX>iU JBoofc ///• 

With tean extinguished; she breathes curses ii^ 

Her sours pale agony, such as had been 

More deadly than infectious damps if not 

Strangled in the embryoy-»dead befbce their hot 

Poison could work upon her teey more 

Than spleenlttl thoughts^ which were reeadled before 

Ripened for execution. Now she steeps 

Her down in tears, a flood of sorrow weeps. 

Of power, if penitent, to expiate 

Youth's vigorous sins; but all her mourning sat 

Beneath a darker veil thai^ that which shades 

Repentant grief, since sin but wished invades 

The soul with that which leads to horror, when 

Grief for sins pest brings into light again : 

One through a sea of trouble leads the way 

To a safe harbour, the other casts away 

Poor shipwrecked mortals, when by death's swift stroke 

Life's feeble hold is from Hope's anchor broke. 

So £ur the fidr Janusa in this sad 
Biegton of grief had gone, till sorrow had 
That fever turned, upon whose flaming wings 
At first lust only sat, to one which brings 
Death's symptoms near her heart; which had so long 
Beneath the burden groaned, until the strong 
Disease had wrought up all the blood within 
Her cheeks into consuming flames ; the skin 
Had lost its soft repose of flesh, and lay 
On nought but bones, whose sharpness did betray 
Their macerated nerves^ the rose had lost 
His ensigns in her cheeky and though it- cost 



Cmto 1 V. PH ARONMDA . 65 

Pains near to death, the lily had alone 
Set his pale banners up; no brightness shone 
Within her eyes' dim orbs, whose fading l^ht. 
Being quenched in death, had set in endless nighty 
Had not the wise endeavours of her maid. 
The careful Manto, grief's pale scouts betrayed 
By sly deceit: knowing if she should want 
Health, until cured by that exotic plant, 
The captive's love, what lust at first did bum 
With inflamations might a gangrene turn. 
AltbiHigh she cures not, yet gives present ease 
By laying opiates to the harsh disease. 

A letter, which did for uncivil blame 
His first denial, in the stranger's name 
Disguised, she gives her; which, with eyes that did 
Overflow with joy, read o'er, had soon forbid 
Griefs sullen progress, whose next stage had been 
O'er life's short road, tho grave*>*death's quiet inn* 
From whose dark terror, by this gleam of light, 
Like trembling children by a lamp's weak light 
Freed from night's dreadful diadows, she'd embraced 
Sleep, Nature's darkness, had not.joy defaced 
Those sooty characters, aud on the wings 
Of airy hope— that wanton bird which sings 
As soon as fledged — advanced her to survey 
Tlie dawning beauties of a longed-for day. 

But ere this pyramid of pleasure to 
Its height arrives, with's presence to undo 
The golden structure, dreadful Ammurat 
From 's floating mansion safely landed at 

Vol. II. p 



66 PHARONNIDA. Book IIL 

The city*8 port» impatient love had brought 

In an untimely visit: ere swift thought. 

Fettered with guilt, could from his eager eye 

By ^ excuse to sanctuary fly. 

He enters, and she faints! In which pale trance 

His pity finds her, but to no such chance 

Imputes the cause; rather conceives it joy, 

Whose rushing torrent made her heart employ 

Its nimble servants, all her spirits, to 

Prevent a deluge, which might else undo 

Lovers new-made commonwealth. But whilst his care 

Hastens to help, her fortune did declare 

Hersorrow*s dark enigma: from her bed 

The letter drops— which, when life's army fled 

Their frontier garrisons, neglected had 

Been left within *t;— this seen, declares a sad 

Truth to the amassed bassa, though 'twere mixt 

Wfth Subtle fiUsehood. Whilst he stands, betwixt 

High rage and grief distracted, doubtful yet 

In what new dress to wear revenge, the fit 

Forsakes Janusa; who, not knowing she 

Detected stood of lust's conspiracy 

'Gainst honor's royal charter, from a low 

Voice strains a welcome; which did seem to flow 

From fickle discontent, such as the weak 

Lungs breathe the thoughts in whilst their fibres break. 

To counterfeited slumbers leaving her. 
He's gone, with silent anger to confer; 
And, though rage lives in fire, the fury lies 
Uivcen through the false cities of his eyes. 



Canto IT. FHARONNIDA. GJ 

With such a farewell as kind husbands leave 

Their pregnant wives, preparing to receive 

A mother's first of blessings, he forsakes 

The room, and into strict inquiry takes 

The wretched Manto; who, ere she could call 

Excuse to aid, surprised, discovers all 

Her sin*s black art, from whose dark theorems he 

This method draws :-^That night, designed to be 

Lightened with lust's hot triumphs, he pretends 

Commanded absence, yet the false stroke bends 

But towards that guard, ere, by a swift reverse 

Brought back, hissoul^ sly scouts had gained commerce 

With all those enemies to honor, by 

Whose aid Janusa ruins chastity. 

Placed by false Manto in a closet, which^ 
Silent and sad, had only, to enrich 
Its roof wilii light, some few neglected beams 
Sent from Janusa's room, which serve as streams 
To waft intelligence. Here he beheld. 
Whilst she, who with his absence had expelled 
All thoughtful cares, was with her joy swelled high 
As captives are when called to liberty. 
Her linen, like a princely bride's that meets 
In the soft folds of her first nuptial sheets. 
Perfumed and costly ; her fair bed was more 
Adorned than shrines, whose saints rich kings adore; 
Incense, in smoaky curls, climbs to tlie fair 
Roof, whilst choice music rarifies the air: 
Each element, in more perfection here 
Than in their first creation, did appear. 



68 FNARONNIDA. BoekUL 

Yet lived in harmony;— the winged fire lent 
Perfumes to the air, that, to moist cordials pent 
In crystal vials, strength; and tliose im{Mrt 
Their vigor to that ball of earth, the heart. 
The nice eye here epitomi2ed might see 
Rich Persia's wealth, and old Rome's luxury. 
But now, like Nature's new made favorite^ 
Who, until all created for deliglit 
Was framed, did ne'er see paradise, comes in 
Deceived Argalia, blinking he had been 
Called thither to behold a penitent 
Arming for death, not heaven's choice blessings, spent 
On th' vanities of life; but mirth soon gives 
That thought its mortal wound, and shows she lives . 
Beyond that dark sphere^-'where her joys did move 
As if her eyes alone gave laws toiove; 
Where beauty's constellations all did shine 
As if no cross aspect could e'er untwine / 

Their clasped conjunctions, which did seem to guide 
Old nature's steps, till from their zenith's pride, 
By virtue, the soul's motion, which the world 
In order keeps, into confusion hurled: 
For here gay Vanity, though clothed in. all 
Her gaudy pageants, lets her trophies fkll 
Before bright virtue's throne. With such a high 
Heroic scorn as aged saints, that die 
Heaven's &vorites, leave the trivial world, he slights 
That gilded pomp; no splendent beam invites 
His serious eye to meet their objects in 
An amorous glance: reserved as he bad been 



i 



Canto ir. PHARONNIDA. 69 

Before his grave confessor, he beholdB 

Beauty's bright magic, wMle its art imfokk 

Great love's myi4»enous riddles, and commaiids 

Captive Janusa to iafringe the bands 

Of matrimonial modesty. When all 

Temptation fails, she leaves her throne to iall. 

The scorn of greatness^ at his feet : but prayer. 

Like flattery, expires in useless air. 

Too weak to batter that firm confidence 

Their tprment*s thunder could not shake. From hence 

Despair, love's tyrant, had enforced her to 

More wild attempts, had not her Ammurat, who. 

Unseen, beheld all this, prevented by 

His sight the death ot bleeding modesty. 

Made swift with rage, the ruffled curtain fiies 
His angry touch— he enters— fixed his eyes. 
From whence some drops of rage distil, on her 
Whose heart had lent her face its character. 
Whilst he stood red with flaming anger, she 
Looks pale with fear;—- passion's disparity. 
In such extremes as nature's laws require, 
'Twixt earth's cold centre and the air's circling fire. 
Dwelt in their troubled breasts; his wild eyes stood. 
Like comets when attracting storms of blood. 
Shook with portentous sadness, whilst her's sat 
Like the dull earth, when trembling at the fate 
Of those ensuing ill8<— heavy and i^xt 
Within their orbs. Passions thus strangely mixt, 
No various fever ere created in 
Thephrenzied braipi when Sleep's sweet calm had been 



^ I 



70 PHARONNIDA. Book 111, 

From her soft throne deposed. This lightning past. 

Thunder succeeds; as burning mountains cast 

Out horrid noise after their flaming smoke. 

So haying paused, his dreadful voice thus broke 

The dismal silence :— ** Thou prodigious whore. 

The curse of my nativity, that more 

Afflicts me than eternal wrath can do 

Spirits condemned — some fiends^ instruct me to 

Heighten revenge to thy desert; but so 

I should do more than mortals may, and throw 

Thy spotted soul to flames. Yet I will give 

Its pas^[)ort hence ; for think not to outlive 

This hour, this &tal hour, ordained to see^ 

More than an age before of tragedy. 

She that fell from a firmament of pride 
To fortune*s lowest region, and there died 
A sad Example to ensuing times— 
That honor*s altitude supports not crimes^ 
When in their stretched extensions reaching to 
Justice, which can through reversed optics view 
Giants, though pigmy sins do oft appear, 
like the dim moon, more great, because more near;. 
Sins that, till fear their guilt did aggravate. 
Wore virtue's frontispiece, since now too late 
To hope for life, in tlieir own monstrous form 
Encounter reason*s guards, till the big storm 
Of vaiious passions all were settled in 
Dregs of despair. When fearing tears should win 
The victory of anger, Ammnrat draws 
His cimetaiv which, had in blood wht law& 



CmtoIV. PHARONNIDA. 71 

For conquered provinces, and with a swift 
And cruel rage, ere penitence could lift 
Her burthened soul in a repentant thought 
Towards Heaven, sheathes the cold steel in her soft 
And snowy breast. With a loud groan she falls 
Upon the bloody floor, half breathless, calls 
For his untimely pity ; but perceiving 
The fleeting spirits, with her blood, were leaving 
Her heart unguarded, she employs that breath 
Which yet remained, not to bewail her death. 
But beg his life that caused it— on her knees 
Struggling to rise. But now calmed Ammurat frees 
Her &om disturbing death, in 's last great work. 
And thus declares some virtue in a Turk.>— 

" I have, brave Christian^ by perusing thee 
In this great act of honor,, learnt to be 
Too late, thy slow-paced follower: this ring (with that 
Gives him his signet) shall, when questioned at 
The castle-guards, thy safety be# And now 
I see her blood's low water doth allow 
Me only time to launch my soul's black bark 
Into death's rubric sea— for to the dark 
And silent region, though we here were by 
Passion divorced, fortune shall not deny 
Our souls to sail together. From thy eyes 
Remove death's load, and see what sacrifice 
My love is offering.'* With that word, a stroke 
Pierces his breast, whose speedy pains invoke 
Death's.opiates to appease them. He sinks down 
By *s. dying, wife, \vho, ere the cold flood drown . 



72 PHARONNIDA. Beok lU. 

Life in the deluge of her wounds, once more 

Betrays her eyes f tile light; and though they here 

The weight of death upon their lids, did keep 

Them so long open, till the icy sleep 

Began to seize on him, and then she cnes— 

« Oh see, just Heaven! see, see my Ammurat dies, 

To wander with me in the unknown shade 

Of immortality— But I have made 

The wounds that murdered both: his hand that gave 

Mine, did but gently let me blood to save 

An everlasting fever. Pardon me. 

My dear, my dying lord! Eternity 

Shall see my soul washed white in tears; but oh! 

I now feel time's dear want— they will not flow 

Fast as my stream of blood. Christian, fitfewell ! 

Whenever thou dost our tragic story tell^ 

Do not extenuate my crimes, but let 

Them in their own black characters be set 

Near Ammuraf s bright virtues, that, read by 

The unpractised lover, which posterity. 

Whilst wanton winds play with our dust, shall raise 

On Beauty's throne, the good may justice praise 

By his example, and the bad by mine 

From Vice's throne be scared to Virtue's shrine." 

And here the speed Death's messengers did make 
To hurry forth their souls, did faintly shake 
Her words into imperfect accents. This, 
She cries, is our last interview— a kiss 
Then joins their bloodless lips — each Close the eyes 
Of the other^ whil»t the parting spirit flies 



Canto IV. PHARONNIDA. 73 

Mounted on \hA their bieath% the latest gasp 

They ere nrnt draw. Whilit wi(>h stiff arms they elasp 

Each other's neck, Argalia thiough a cloud. 

Of liquid sorrow did bdiold the proud 

Triumphs of death in their ubtiinely &te: 

He sees great Ammwrat for a robe of state 

Groveling in blood, the fair Janusa lie,. 

Purpled in death, like polished iyory 

Dipped in Vermillion; the bright crystals, that 

Her soul in conqvering flames looked thorough a^ 

Both quenched and cooled in death. But time did lend 

His tears scarce passage, till a drop could end 

Ks journey o'er his cheeks, before a page» 

Whose cruelty had fer out-grown his age. 

Enters in haste; and with an anger that. 

Though indiscreet, at wrongs seemed kindled at. 

In wounds did on the bassa's body vent 

A ^^ieen that death's discharge could not content. 

This seen, Argalia, to whom all must be 
Offence that injures feir humanity. 
Stop, the vain torrent, and a nearer way 
To just revenge directs the angry boy: 
Who, by unfolded truth, now lets him know, 
His n^e to that uncivil height did grow. 
Not from a childish spleen, but wrongs that he, 
A Christian, suffered in captivity. 
Assured by this couftession that he might 
Be useful, more than in a secret flight, 
Argalia bids him, in his bassa's name, 
A mandate write for scHne of worthiest fame 



74 PHARONNIDA. Book IJL 

*Mong8t all the Chrutiaii citizens, and those 
To send the gaard for, ere the morning rose 
On the black ruins of the night This done^ 
Before that time the victory had won. • 
Of opportunity; their warders slain. 
Each Christian ciqptive from his rusty chain 
His bold hand frees, and by their happy aid. 
The gates being first secured, with ease dismayed 
Tlie drowsy garrison, from whom they found 
But weak resistance;— some soft sleep had bound 
To beds of ease, intemperate riot kept 
Others more vainly waking; here one slept 
Between a mistress* arms, and there another. 
Stole to a private catamite, did smother 
Delight in whispers; in which loose garb found. 
Ere time rolls up what slow neglect unwound. 
Even in security's soft lap surprised. 
They met grim death in pleasure*s shape disguised. 

All now being slain but feeble eunuchs and 
Poor trembling maids, the new but valiant band 
Of late freed captives crown the walls, from whence 
They saw the soldiers* wicked diligence 
In finding those which the false mandate had 
Designed for ruin general: as sad 
The city's sorrows were; a desolate 
And silent horror unr^;arded sat 
In the empty streets, which action had not filled 
Yet with employment But when day did gild 
The ebony of night, to hear the rude 
Murmur that did from the mixed multitude 



CoMtoIV. PHARONNIIFA. 75 

Open together with their doors, assures 
Argalia, that their fear, which yet secures 
That handful of insulting tyrants, might. 
With anger being charged home, be put to flight 
With a reserve of hope; whilst every breast 
Was swelled with stifled spirits; whilst, opprest 
With silent grief, helpless spectators, they 
Saw those they once for virtue did obey — 
Their reverend senators^ whose silvered heads 
Age now made fit for ease, forced from tiieir beds 
By feverish power*s rude fits. Whose heat, not all 
The juleps of their tears, though some drops fsll 
From Beauty's lovely blossoms, cool— Their rage 
Neglected youth slights like unreverent age. 

But when the conquering captives, by the brave 
Argalia rescued from the castle, gave 
Bright victory's signal ; when they saw each lance 
The bleeding head of a grim Turk advance. 
Anger, like unobstructed love, breaks forth 
In flaming haste. Yet here the want of worth 
And valour 'mongst the city herd, had drpve 
Them all to death's dark fields, if, whilst they strove 
With that stout band of Janifiiaries, they 
Had not been by Argalia taught the way 
To victory ; who in a sally meets 
Retreating fear when creeping from the streets 
T* the vain protection of their doors. And now. 
His conquering sword having taught all to bow 
Beneath its burnished splendor, since the high 
Applause o' the loudest acclamations fly 



JB PHARONNIDA. JTaoIr ///• 

Beneath his wcnrthy a general vote elects 

Him for their prince: but his braye soul affects 

Not so sublime a burthen, knowing they. 

Bred under a democracy, obey 

Contracted power; but harshly he returns 

All to motor senate^ who of late, like urns. 

Nought but the useless ashes did contain 

Of their own laws, which were by conquest slain» 

But his refusal, where acceptance not 
Envy could say Amlntion had begot. 
But new plants virtue ; who from thence did take 
The deeper root, and ^mongst the throng did make 
Tliat choice so epidemical, that he. 
For valour feared, loved for humility. 
The people*s prayer, those humble shrubs that owe 
For safety to power*s cedars, join to grow 
Shadowed beneath his merits and create 
Him prince o' the senate; who^ their doubtful state 
Requiring strong allies, a fleet prepared. 
To seek those princes who their danger shared. 
Which ready, with a prosperous gale of wind. 
He, though employed by honor, sails to find 
Out Love*s rich Indies; and,, with 's white- winged 

fleet. 
Hastens Palermo's nearest port to meet 



END OF FOURTH CANTO. 



Cofito V. PHARONNIDA. 77 



Canto t^t ^iftti« 



AUGUMENT. 

With prosperous sails moved from Sardinians shore, 

Ai^ia saf» doth now from danger set 
The Cyprian prince, who, though so large in score 

With noble friendship, soon repays the debt. 

In Sparta's court they *re now arrived, where he 
That life he saved ventures, to serve him in 

An act so great— it sets the princess free. 
Who for his sake had long a prisoner been. 

WHILST with bent oars Argalia^s squadrons move. 
Like the light wings of Timers physician. Love, 
Who steered his course, and now had safily drawn 
Him through the Ionian waves, when by the dawn 
Of a still morning, whose pale sickly light. 
Yet bounded in the ebony of night. 
Showed like a dull quicksilver foil spread o'er 
The workTs great glass, whose even sur&ce bore 
Within their view two galleons, whom they saw. 
Like timorous hares base hunters give no law, 
/Chased by a nimble numerous fleet. Drawn near, 
Chnitiaiis the chased, the chasers Turks appear ; 



7S PHARONNIDA. ^ook iJL 

Which, like a shoal of smaller fishes made 

So bold by number that they durst inyade 

The big -bulked whale, on every side assails 

The slow-paced fleet: who, since not strength prevails 

Against such odds, their fiery spirits spent 

In thunder, which had from their broadsides sent 

The last great groan for power*s decease, and they, 

Not their foe's terror— but good fortune, lay. 

Whilst cramped in this convulsion of their fear. 
Which honor gilding, made d^r appear 
The child of fortitude, they all prepare 
Bravely to die, Argalia's squadrons bear 
Up With the wind ; and ere the Turk's proud fleet. 
Deceived by their own crescents, fear to meet, 
A danger, like a hurricane, falls in 
Destruction; which was suffered whilst unseen. 
So wealthy merchants, whose returning cost 
A storm on the pacific sea hath lost. 
Fall from the arms of hope: sudden and swifc 
As inundations, whose impetuous drift 
Swallows a^leeping city up, had they 
Lost the firm hold of victory, and lay 
Sad captives in their own lost ship— for flight 
Saves few, where all in hopes of conquest fight 

Fair victory made more bright by accident, 
(Even when despair hope's wasted stock had spent) 
Those that were rescued from their soft prayers raise. 
To pay Heaven's tribute in their louder praise: 
Which oft neglected debt discharged, they gave. 
Allayed with thanks, to him, whose hand did save— 



Ccnlo F. PHARONNIDA. 7^' 

A miracle in their delivery^all 

Deserved applause, that can when moimted, tall 

r the circle of humanity. To kiss 

Those hands which plucked him from the black abyss 

Of death, their brave commander goes; where he 

Discovered by majestic courtesy 

Such real forms of worth, that he was grown 

Rich in esteem before more fully known. 

But long truth stands not veiled in a disguise 
Of ignorance, .ere they are taught to prize 
His friendship at a higher rate, by seeing 
Their active valour had been blest in freeing 
The Cyprian prince ; for such he was, and then 
Bound for Morea. This made public, when 
Acquaintance had taught love more boldness, h^ 
All that discretion would permit to be 
Lodged in the closet of a friendly breast. 
Tells to Argalia: who, though in his best 
Of hopes a rival knowing him, was in 
Love too secure to harbour envious sin. 

Their prosperous fleet, ere Time's short stqps had trod 
In hours a full day's journey, safely rode 
At anchor.in Gerenza's bay; from whence. 
When known, their cannons in a loud expense 
Proclaim their welcome. The acquaintance that 
The Cyprian's father, ere his youth staid at 
Its summer solstice, with Cleander had. 
Revives i' the son's embraces, which the glad 
City i* the triumphs echoes, ere 'twas known 
That hii resolves were such^as love was grown 



80 PHAmONMi]>A. Book HI. 

The wishes of the people's throng, who thought 
That that UBpoUahed prinoe Zoranza brought 
Unequal strength of merits ere to win 
Tlie fort Pharcmnida lodg^ virtue in. 

When fiist they entered the admiring court, 
Pame (wise men's care, but the fools' busy sport) 
Making the ear the eye's wise harbinger. 
By learning first their yirtues, did confer 
More honor on their persons. They beheld 
r the Cyprian prinoe heroic worth, yet swelled 
With no ambitious tumor; calm and free 
As wholesome air, when its ubiquity 
Breathes healthful blasts, were his smooth thoughts— 

to all 
Most sweetly affable, but few could call 
His love familiar; his youth had not '««- 

Yet learnt rough war, although from precept got 
Its useful rudiments, and by valour shows^r- 
Future command may pay what action owes 
To speculation : by the grave sad man. 
Whose counsel could conspiracies unspan ^ 

When ready to give fire. He is beheld 
As one whose virtues far his years excelled. 
And might, when at maturity, afford 
Length to the sceptre from's victorious sword. 
From this young prince, heaven's hopeful blossom, they. 
Pleased but not satisfied, their souls convey 
On those winged mesBengers— their eyes, u^to 
Manly Ai^ia; finding there a new 
And various form of worth :— on 's brow did sit 
Reserved discretion reconciled to wit; 



Canto V. PHAROMMDA* 81 

Serious and ^rave his carriage, yet a face 

Where Lovers fair shrine did Wisdom'a temple grace; 

His scars, those broad seals which protecting &te 

His future safety signed in, oh him sat 

Not to deform, but until age remain. 

Like maids of honor placed in Beauty's tnun. 

True worth dwelt in tlie other, but in this 

Brave hero's breast—had her metropolis. 

The Cyprian's safety and Sardinia's brave 

Redemption, were the passports which fame gave 

Uuto his travelling praise; which, fled in haste 

Through the ears' shortstages, in each breast had placed 

A love of 's worth; which wise men softly praise, 

Whilst the loud throng to acclamations raise. 

Not long tiiese true-bom sons of honor in 
Palenno*<« court remain, ere^ what had been 
The cause which had the youthful Cyprian drew 
, I From 's father's court, white fame presents unto 

Busy inquirers. Which design from all — 
^* Those swift but weak recruits, good wishes— call. 

Except from some it most oonoemed; 'mongst which 

Cleander staggers unresolved. The rich 

And powerful kingdom, which affinity 

With Cyprus promised, was a prize to . be 

Valued before Epirus' wealth, who, thei^h 

Of late victorious, yet could never grow 

Up to that glorious hei^t This tliought, the most 

Of all that e'er obstructed love,, had crost 

Zoranza's hopes, luid not his wishes been, 

Though covetously vast, confined within 

: ' VOT*. II* G 



82 PHARONNrBA. BaoJcIJL 

The other*s merits; amongst which the chief 
Opposes first itself, and, the reliei; 
Whirrs in*s soul, that had been thence brought by 
Him* when his state wept blood for liberty. 
This in the scale of justice seemed as large 
As love's dimensimis, till a second charge 
Of thoughts proclaims the Cyprian's power to do 
The same if in necessity sought to; 
Which blames becoming gratitude, a% in 
Kelation to servility, a sin 
In the great souls of princes, who can be. 
If they remain in debt for courtesy. 
But captives in the throne— 4oo oft the cause 
Why meritorious subjects meet the law's 
Harsh rigor for reward, when their deserts. 
Many and great, o'erfiU their princes' hearts. 

Before Oleander's gravity had laid 
Thb tempest of his passions, fame betrayed 
Their cause to the Epirot prince, who hears 
The Cyprian's welcome ; which his various fears 
But briefly comment on, before, without 
More slow delays than what were spent about 
The swiftest preparations, he intends 
To visit Mr Pharonnida, and ends 
His journey, ere a thought unwinged with love 
Could lead him forth of 's court: which haste did prove 
His passions stronger than the strength of age 
Appeared to promise. What it might presage^*- 
To see at once two royal strangers in 
Their glorious court, which both employed had been 



1 



Canto V. PHARONNIDA. 83 

About one amorous errand, strangely did 
Affect the dtieens; ivhose fears, forbid 
The public stage, in private whiiqpers teUs 
What dai^er lay betwixt those parallels. 

Yet, in the opposition of those stars • 
Tliat shine in passion^s sphere. Love's civil wars 
Had no field army ; all his power did rest 
Within the private garrisons o' Hie breast. 
Which, though besieged by sly suspicion, made 
No verbal sallies, but prepare to invade 
Beauty's bright province. Yet, each only had 
A single visit given unto the sad 
Sweet object of their hopes, and thence received 
A welcome, such as neither had bereaved 
The other's hopes — ^both rather finding cause 
Of cold despair. Cleander pleads the laws 
Of nature and free choice, to wave his own 
Engagements to Zoranza; which had blown 
Love's sickly flame with the tempestuous breaHi 
Of anger forth, had not those thoughts to deatii 
r the bud been doomed. Whilst thus his passions slept 
In Love's soft arms, the noble Cyprian kept 
A distance 'twixt his hopes and wishes by 
Tlie staid Epirot's interest:— both rely 
On their own merits, and Love's doubtfiil fote 
Makes subject to the monarchy of fate. 

But whilst this busy combat of the heart 
On equal terms is fought, time bent to part 
The royal champions. Through the obscure ports 
Of dark disguise into Love's field resorts 



I 

\ 



f 



V ^ 



84 PH ARONNIDA • Book III. 

A third brave ccrnibatant, whose merit had 

(Though not i* the armour of great titles clad) 

By parley won that maiden ibrt, which they. 

Although they scaled on golden mountains, lay 

Before in vain. Argalia, though within 

Gerenza's court, had yet a stranger been. 

More than in feme and big report, to her 

Whose best of thoughts wore his soul's character: 

And yet, although a virgin's bashful grace 

Concealed her own, for to behold that face 

So much in debt t' the people's praises, to 

Her window oft the royal maid had drew; 

Where, whilst his eyes did waste their beams in vain 

To pierce those stubborn walls tliat did contain 

Rich Love's unvalued treasure, she beholds 

His brave deportment; which, since strange, unfolds 

New volumes of unprinted joy, which she 

(Sorrow affording so much liberty) 

Oft with delight looks o'er, beholding in*t 

Arga1ia*s virtues in a different print. 

But his wise fate, even when his prayer grew weak 
In faith, did through hope's cold antarctic break 
In a long summer's day.—His noble friend. 
The princely Cyprian, did so largely spend 
His stock of eloquence in's praise, when he k 

Last saw divine Pharonnida, that she. 
Although from no remoter cause than springs 
From virtue's public love, tells him— he brings 
His next best welcome with his friend: which, proud 
To be observant in, when time allowed 



'.' '"^ 



Canio V. PHARONNIDA. 85 

A visit, he perfbrms. Now to the court. 
Beauty's dull cloister, which no thronged resort 
Of clients fills, they *re come; the surly guard» 
Those wakeful dragons, did without reward 
Let in that danger in disguise, which had 
Met death i' the entrance, if in that unclad. 

The way that cleft the scowling rock being by 
A thousand steps ascended, they i* the high 
Clifts find the royal eaglet, trying that 
Bright eye of her fair soul, discretion, at 
The fiery beams of anger, which were shot 
From her majestic father. Being got 
Once more to breathe his soul upon that hand 
Where love's first vows, sealed with his lips, did stand, 
(Knowledge inflaming passion's fever), like 
Unpractised saints, which miracles do strike 
Into a reverend zeal, he trembUng takes 
That holy relic, which a cold fear shakes 
In that warm touch. Her eyes' fair splendor shone 
Like bright stars in heaven's trepidaticm 
Shook with the general motion, though betwixt 
The spheres of love and wonder they stood fixt 
In their own orbs, and their united beams 
Centred on him; yet (like dead friends which dreams* 
Imperfectly present) his lovely form. 
As mariners when land is through a storm 
With doubtful joy descried, she sees: but yet 
Knowledge had met vrith no prospective fit 
To guide her through the darl^ disguise unta 
The road of truth ;— his valour was in new 



t 



66 PHARONNIBA. B^ok III. 

Habiliments of honor clothed, and scars 

Made her love's heaven adcnmed with waknown slarsL 

But whilst her recollecting spirits were 
AH busied— his idea to compare 
With what she 8aw» a sudden glance €i the eye 
Develops truth; that jewel, which was by 
His first protector left, is seen, by which 
Hope, near impoverished with despair, grows rich 
In faith, heaven's tenure. But the rushing tide 
0*erflows so much, that love's fresh rivers glide 
Over weak Nature's banks, — she fiunts, and in 
A silent joy contracted what had been 
By love dilated: from which giddy trance 
To rescue her, Argalia doth advance 
To charge those troops of passicms, which o'er her 
Had proved victorious; nor did fate defer 
The conquest long, ere she displays again 
Beauty*s fitir banner in Love's ivory plain. 

The imprisoned spirits freed, the blood in haste^ 
Fearing her k>ve had Wisdom's throne de&ced. 
To Beauty*s frontiers flies; so mornings weep 
And blush together, when they oversleq[> 
Themselves in night's black bed. Though fear's dull 

charms. 
Whilst in the circle of Argalia's arms^ 
Like dream's fantastic visions, vanish in 
Her waking joys; yet, knowing they had been 
Betrayed unto a stranger's view, th^y both 
Stood mute with passion, till the Cyprian* loath 
To add more weights unto affliction, by 
Imping Love's wings with noble courtesy. 



CMto V. EHAROMKIBA. 87 

Fans off the iMmthem clouds of fear» and thus 

Calms the loud sUNrm:— '' Doubt not» because to us, 

Fair princess^ lovers mysterious riddles are 

By accident resolved, the &ctious war 

Shall be renewed; such base intelligence 

iVaitors and spies give, when the dark offence 

Starts at discovery. If my service may 

Be usefiil,, know I sooner dare betray 

My sins f thciworid, than your intentioBs to 

A smooth seducer. This rare interview 

May be my. wondeF— but shall never prove 

My guilt, though all the stsatagems of love 

Lay open to my hearty which, though unskilled 

In his polemics, yet with trutii is filled." 

Since now too late to seek protection by 
A faint denial, the wished privacy 
Their room afforded, gives them leave to lead 
His appiehension where conceit did read 
The jrtory of love*s civil wans: whose rage. 
Since treaty could not calm, makes him engage 
His stock of power in their defence, and end 
His passion's progress to let love atteAd 
On friendship's royal train; what not the force 
Of earth's united beauties could divorce; 
Nor wealth's, nor honor's strong attractions draw 
To other objects; by that holy law 
Informed, as hatefol sacrilege, doth fly 
The bold, intrusion on k>ve's hierarchy. 

With joy assured of such a poverfol friend^ 
The hopeful lovera sadder cures suspentj; 



89 PHARONNIDA; BotkllL 

To lay the platform of their safety by 
A ^r escape. • But fear doth oft untie 
The golden webs of fancy. When they come 
To name the means, invention, then struck dumb* 
Startles into distraction; no smooth stroke 
Of soft palmed flattery could ere provoke 
Sleep in her watchful dragons, nor no shower 
Of ponderous gold pierce through her sable tower.. 
The harsh commander of her surly guasd,. 
Wakeful as foaming Cerberus, amd hard 
As Parian quars, a heart that could not melt 
In love*s alembic; the slave never felt 
His darts but when lust gave the wound, and then,. 
Seared with enjoying, the blood stops again. 
And leaves behind the fever; which disease 
Now in him raged. Amphibia, that could please 
None but a sympathizing nature, in 
His blood had both disease and medicine been,— 
With lusf s enchantments, thick loose glances, fiiBt 
Breeding a calenture, whose sickly thirst 
Consenting sin allays again. But long 
This monster thrives not in the dark, ere, strong 
By custom grown, with impudence he dares 
Affront unveiled veport, and boldly bears 
Himself above those headstrong torrents, by 
Whose streams harsh censure grew to calumny- 
Which careless pride did unobstruct the wayi^ 
Through which to liberty love*s progreas lay.. 

A short delay, which lets not fancy rest 
In idle thought, their actions did digest 



1 



Canto r. PHARONNIDA.' 89 

laio a method. The succeeding night 

To that gteat day, by whose triumphant light 

Their annual feasts her birth did celebrate. 

The time designed. Which done, to stroke rough fate 

Into a calm, Argalia first finds out 

Despised*Florenz8, then employed about 

Coarse housewifery in the dull country, where 

She soon became a partner of his care ; 

Prepares for safety with a diligence 

Whose privacy pays lavish time's expense. 

Now from nighfs swarthy region rose that day, 
"Gainst which Invention taught her babes the way 
To level at delight, though she fiew high 
As monarchs' breasts. Beauty and valour vie 
Each other in a conquering pride within 
A spacious fields that oft before had been 
The theatre of martial sports; each knight, 
Whom the desire of honor did invite 
By her swift herald, Fame, were met; and all. 
Whom the respects of either part did call 
To the Epirot's or young Cyprian's part. 
Repair unto their tents, which, rich in art. 
Adorned both sides o* the stately lists, and lent 
Their beauties to the proiBtpecfs ornament. 

Near to the scaffold every seat was filled 
With bright court beauties, ladies that did gild 
Youth, Nature's throne of polished ivory, in 
Pride — there but greatness, though low fortune's siiK 
Ranged next to these the city madams, that 
Came both to wonder and be wondered at. 



so PHASONNtHA. BitokllL 

Fine as on their first Lady-days, did sit 
Comparing fiisfaionB» to commoid their wit; 
Besides the silk-worms* spoils, their husbands' gatn. 
Jewels they wore, like eyes in beauty's wane 
Grown dim with age, so dim* thsM: they did look 
As if they'd been from plundered Delphos to«k; 
Although that sprung irom l|M:tion, yet each &ce 
Was all set form, hardly ai£c»diDg place 
For a stolen smile, save when some tickliidi lord 
Strikes sail,, which they could wish should come aboard. 
Below, near to the over-heated thc(Mig» 
Sweet country beauties^ such as ne'er did wrong 
Nature with nicer art» were seated; where 
Though b^ rude pride east them in hcmor's rear. 
Yet in love's province they appeared to have 
Command fhwa their acknowledged beauty gave; 
Humble their looks» yet Virtue there kept stat^ 
And made e'en envy wish to imitate 
Their feshions,— not fantastic, yet their dress 
Made gallantry in love with comelinewr 

Whilst here the learned astronomers of love 
Observed how eyes, those wandering, stacs^. did ilK»ve,. 
And thence with heedftd ait did cakulate 
Approaching changes in that doubtful state; 
The princess, like the planet of the day» 
Comes witti a lustre forth that did betray 
The others' beams into contemptt and made 
The morning stars of meaner beauties &de,. 
Sadly omfeanag by their languisbed lighlv 
They shone but when her absence made it night 



i 
I 



Cbitte r« PHARONNI0A. ^1 

Stately her look, yet not too high to be 

Seen in the valleys oC humility; 

Clear as heaven's brow was her*s, her smiles to all^, 

Like the sun's comforts, epidemical; 

Yet by the bddest gazer, with no leas 

Reverence adorec^ than Persians in distress 

Do that bright power, who, though ^miliar by 

An airy medium, still is throned on high* 

Least the ungoveroed multitude which raise 
Their eyes to her, should in thett lavish {Nraise 
From zeal to superstiticm grow, they >e now 
Dra^vn ofi^— the entered combatants allow 
Their eyes no fiurther leisure, but beginning 
Their martial HK>rts, with various fiile were winning 
Bright victory's laurels. But I here nmst let 
Honor in their own stones live, the debt 
I owe to promise but extendi unta 
The fortune of our royal lovers; who^ 
Though both concerned in this, have action» &r 
More full of £aite approaching. That bright star 
Which gave Argalia victory here, scarce shows 
Its spieled records, unto which he owes 
Far more sublime protection, yet it lends 
Vigor to that bright planet which attends 
His future fortune, and discovers all 
His astracisms in rising cowucjU^ 

Followed with acclamations^ such a& made ^i> 

The troops of envy tremMe to invade 
His conjquering &me, he leaves the field; and by - 
Cles^der^. with rewards of victory 



L 



92 PBARONMHA. Beok III. 

First honored in the pabUc view, is brouglrt 
From thence to meet delicious mirth in soft 
Retired delights; which in a spacious flood, 
From princes* breasts to tenify the blood 
Of the blunt soldiers, haste; whose dull souls swelled 
With airy pleasures had from thought expelled 
All sullen cares, and levelled paths unto 
Designs which did to their neglect ensue. 

The black-browed night, to court the drowsy worlds 
Had put her starry mantle on, and hurled 
Into the sea (their spacious-breasted mother) 
Her dark attendants; silent sleep did smother 
Exalted clamors ; and in private meets . 
The busy whisperer, sporting *twixt his sheets*. 
Veiled in which shady calm, Argalia, by 
The noble Cyprian only in his high 
Attempt assisted, now prepares to free 
The great preserver of his liberty. 

Come to the bridge, that to secure the sleep 
O* the careless guard, which slender watch did keep,. 
Finding it drawn, the depth and ugly look 
0*the heavy stream had from the Cyprian took 
All hopes of passage, till that doubt did end 
In greater fear—the danger of his friend; 
Who, with a courage high as if in that 
He *d centred all the world did tremble at 
In his precedent victories, had cast 
Himself t* the mercy of the stream, and past 
In safety o*er, though nets enough were spread 
On her dark face to make his death^s cold bed* 



C€mto r. PHARONNIDA. 93 

Giving his spirits leave to fortify 
His heart with breath, he then ascoids the high 
Opposing cUfts, which in an ugly pride 
Threatened beneath her rained scales to hide 
That rising flame of honor. Being come 
To the other side, a sentry, but struck dumb 
With sleep's prevailing rhetoric, he finds; 
Upon whose keys he seizes, and then binds 
His sluggish limbs, ere full awake, conveys 
Him to a place whence no loud cry betrays 
The sounds of danger to his fellows, that 
Revelled in louder mirth. Unstartled at 
The river's depth, .the wondering Cyprian now 
Crossed the united bridge, and, being taught how 
By imitation to slight danger, goes 
With his brave friend toward their careless foes. 

Not far they were advanced before they hear 
Approaching steps; a soldier was drawn near. 
Which to relieve the other came, but shared 
In his misfortune ere he had prepared 
To make resistance; which attempt succeeds 
So equal to their wishes, that there needs 
No more to strengthen faith. By the command 
O' the will's best leader, reason, both did stand 
Awhile to view their danger; — through a way 
Narrow and dark their dreadful paissage lay; 
The rugged rock upon each side so steep* 
That, should they 've missed, no trembling hold could 
keep 



94 PBAAONNIDA. Bc9k UI. 

Them from the gragp of death: to add to this. 

More forflfis of horror haok the dark abyss 

Which undermined the rock*s roug^ sides, they hear J 

A hollow murmur; the blade towen appear 

Planked with destruction^ every part did hold 

Peculiar terror, but the wh<^ unfold. 

Through the black glass of night, a &ce like that 

Which chaos wore, ere time was wakened at 

The first great fiat, or--could au^t appear 

More dark and dreadfiil, know *twas emblemed here. 

Safe passed through the first steps of danger, they 
Now to the main guard come; whom diey betray 
By a soft knock— of all conceiyed 'thad been 
The voice then: sentry called for entrance in. 
Their errand undisputed, postern gates 
Are <^n thrown, at which the royal mates 
Both rushing in, strangely amaze them; but 
Now being entered, 'twas too late to shut 
The danger forth, nor could confusion lend 
Their trembling nerves a strength fit to d^bnd 
By opposition. In base fl^ht lay all 
Their hopes of hfe, whidi some attempting fall 
On the dark road of death, but few escape 
To show their fdlows danger's dreadfid shape. 

Whilst here, tike xx>werful winds that ctissipate 
Infectious damps, in unobstructed state 
Their valour reigned, to tell them that the way 
Which led unto the princess" freedom lay 
Yet through more slippery paths of blood, with haste 
Wild as their rage, Brumon^hus' brothers, placed 



^Hto V: FHARONNIOA* 95 

That guard*8 coiiiiimiidevB» enter. Leose neglect. 

Which drew them thence, flince cause of that effect. 

They now redeem with speed. Riot had not 

UnRerved their limbs; although their blood grew hot 

With lai^e intemperate draughts, the fever yet 

r the spirits only dwelt, till this rude fit 

On the stretched heart lays hold in flames, which had 

Scorched valour's wings if not in judgment clad. 

Here, though their numbers equal were, yet ia 

A larger volume danger had not been 

Often before presented to the view 

Of the brave champions; as if she had drew 

With doubtful art lines in the scheme of fate 

For them and their proud ^oes, pale Virtue sat 

Trembling for fear her power should not defend 

Her followers, Against that strength which did attend 

Those big-boned villains' strdLes. BeneaHi whose force 

The Cyprian prince had felt a sad divorce 

Of Nature's wedlock, if, when sinking in 

The icy sleep. Death's wide gorge had not been 

Stopped by a stroke from fierce Argalia, sent 

To aid him when in his defence he 'd spent 

His stock of strength. Freed by which happy blow 

From Janus' guard, since now his Mend lay low. 

Near Death'« dark valley, he contracts his power 

To quench tlie other's lamp of life: a shower 

Of wounds lets fall on 's enemy, wliich now 

Clogged Jtiis soul's upper garments, and allow 

His eyes' dim optics no more use of light. 

Than what directs him in a staggering flight 



96 PHARONNIDA. Book III. 

Yet in the darkness of approaching death, 
In mischief *8 sables, that small stock of breath 
That yet remains, to clothe, he suddenly 
Gives fire unto a canncm that was by 
Wise care ordained to give intelligence. 
When big wi& danger fear could not dispense 
With timers delays. The princess, that within 
Her doset had that &tal evening been 
Retired and sad, whilst strong winged prayer acquaints 
Her flaming zeal with heaven's whole choir of saints. 
Thus startled by the treacherous thunder, all 
Her yet unnumbered stock of beads lets M\ 
'Mongst those that prayer had ranked, and did implore 
In one greait shriek deliverance; to her door 
Hastes to behold the danger of those friends 
On whose success love*s fortress --hope, depends. 
Where being come, her eyes' first progress met 
Her prayers' reward, e*eo whilst his sword was wet 
With blood, the balm of victory. But long 
The extacies of fancy, though more strong 
Than sacred raptures, last not, all was now 
Too full of noise and tumult to allow 
A room for passion's flow: disputes within 
The schools of action, loud alarums in 
The castle court and city raged; all were 
Huddled into confusion ; some prepare 
To fly what others with an ignorance 
As great (though bolder) to oppose advance. 
Here had our heaven-protected lovers lost 
What si^ti large sums of prayers and tears had exist. 



Canto V. FHARONHnOA. 97 

Had not the torrent of the people*s throng. 

When rushing towards the castle, by a strong 

Voice— danger, been diverted, to prerent 

A hungry flame which, in the Cyprian^t tent 

Began, had j^pread its air^dilated wings 

0?er the city: whose feared danger brings 

On them a wane distemperatiire than all 

Their last nighf s sitffeits. WfaiM pnmd tonrets fidl 

In their own ashes, the discordant bells. 

Ordained to call for aid, bat ring their knells 

That in a drunken fnry, half awake. 

First their warm beds, and then thdr lires forsake; 

For to destruction here big pride had swelled. 

Had not night's errors been by day expelled. 

With swift calls frighted, bnt more terrified 
At their sad cause, fear being his doabt&l gnider 
The stoat Epirot to Cleander*s ooart 
Repairs; and there, amoDgst a thick resort 
Of subjects, finds the prince distracted by 
Those epidemic clamors that did fly 
From every part o* the city. To appease 
Whose fury whilst he goes, the sharp disease 
In flames feeds on her ruined beauty, and 
Mounts on insulting wings; which to withstand. 
The amazed inhabitants did stop its flight 
With the whole weight of rivers, till that lights 
Which an usurper on the sooty throne 
Of darkness sat, vanished, or only shone 
From their dim torches* rays. The prince thus staid 
In *s hasty jomrney till the flames allayed 

VOL. II. H 



j1 



98 PHARONNIDA. Book IIL 

Lent safety to the city, by it gave 
The royal fugitives the time to save 
Themselves by flight from those ensuing ills^ 
Whose chunorousscoutsy rude sounds, the stirredair fills. 

Descended to the garden*s postern gate^ 
A place where silence yet unruffled sat 
(A night obscure and an unhaunted way^ 
Gonspiring their pursuers to betray . 
To dark mistakes) with silent joy, whidi had 
All fear*s pale symptoms in love*s purple dad, 
Close as that bold Attempter, whose brave theft 
Was sacred fire, the walks behind them left, 
Argalia hastes unto the castle moat 
With hi& rich prize, there a neglected boat. 
Half hid amongst the willow beds, finds out; 
In wjiich Pharonnida, that nought could doubt ' 
Whilst her successful lover steered, passed o*er 
To meet the safety of a larger shore. 



END OP THIRD BOOK. 



I 



i 



'^fl' 



I 



PHARONNIDA. 



BOOK IV. 



itmto t^ d^ivin. 



fARGUMEifT. 

) . 

I TVhibt lUMse and tnmnlt fill thd court, i3^ sad 

Orlinda, to lament alone retired. 

Binds the brave Cyprian in death's symptoms clad, 

Wboee perfect health her friendly care acquired* 

The scouts with an unwelcome emptiness 
Ofnewsretonied; the princess* secret flight 

Yet well succeeds, hut now in sad distress 
Finds a black morning to that dismal night* 

WHEN Fear, like an unskilful pilot in 
A stonn distracted, long in vain had been 
Placed at the helm of Action, whilst those rude 
Waves raised by greater winds, the multitude. 
Swelled with uncertain counsels, all met in ^ 
A thick and dangerous confluence; those within 



A 

i 



100 PHARONNIDA. Book IV. 

The castle, by a hotter passion to 

A high-wrought fury startled^ did undo 

Those liuksof counsel, which tbe other bioke 

With corrosives of fear, by the rude stroke 

Of heedless anger; whose uncivil strife 

Had robbed revenge of justice, and each life 

That here was in death^s inundations spilt. 

Shed but to aggravate a private guilt. 

Had not the prince, whose anger's flame they feared 

More than grim death, to appease the storm appeared. 

Beat from the out-works of their hopes, all in 
A busy tumult are employed within 
The princess' lodgings; but there only find 
Their knowledge by her secret flight struck blind^ 
Stumbled on errors. No characters, but what 
The wasteful hand of death had scattered at 
The guard, inform them; and even those seem left 
The weak opposen of successful theft, 
Dropt as their foe*s victorious fate flew by. 
To show his fortune and their loyalty. 
Leaving which late warm tenements of breath. 
Without once throwing up that bed of death. 
Their grave-clodies o*er them, every active friend 
Hastes towaidher search, whilst suffering femalesspend 
The hours (grown slow since burdened by their fears) 
In prayers, whose doubts they numbered by their tears. 

But amongst all of those that sacrificed 
Tears to her loss, sorrow had most disgmsed 
Lovely Oriinda, the fitir sister to 
The vexed Messenian; who, with love that grew 



LdBfia 



CWUL PHARONNI]>A* 101 

From equal attribtttes of honor, in 

The parallels of beauty placed* had been 

In thia restraint of liberty so long 

Her pleased eompankm, that her grief U» strong 

For comfort grown, to mourn her absence she, 

Forsaking all her friends' society. 

Whilst seeking of some shady grove, is brought 

To one whose ved, black as her darkest thought. 

Appeared so much a stranger to the light, 

That solitude did thither soon invite 

The pensive lady: who, whilst enteringv by 

A deep groan's sound diverted* turns her eye 

Toward one, wbcv near the utmost ebb of life 

Disguised in's blood, was with the latest strife 

Of death contending. At th« dreadfel yiew 

Of which sad e^eet die retreating to 

Some of her maids* wluv fearing to intrude 

Whilst she appeared inten^ng solitude^ 

A distance kept; made bold hy number, novv 

Return to see if life did yet allow 

A room fer hdp^ or* if his saul were ied. 

To let their oace entomb the helpless dieiuL 

Arrived so ncae, that through the rubric veil 
Of *s blood they saw how life did yet pvevail 
O'er death's coavulsions, they beboU one Ite^ 
Whose wounds, an object fer their charity, 
Soon^dxew them nearer in such trembling haste. 
As if they fewed those lavish springs would waste 
Life's stock too fest Where come, with Unen soft 
And white as were those bands that thitJier brought 



102 PHARONNIDA, Book IV. 

That blessing, having gently wiped away 

His blood, hk fiice discovered did betray 

Him to their knowledge. For the Cyprian prince 

All soon eonclade him, whose desert e*er since 

That court she knew, had to Orlinda proved 

A dear delight; yet she ne*er knew she loved. 

Till her soft pity and his sad distress. 

Conspiring to betray that bashftilness 

Whose blushes scorched that tender plant, did now» 

Even in their fortune^s roughest storm allow 

It leave to grow safe, since yet passing by 

No other name but noble charity. 

By all the nimblest stratagems which art 
£*er leamt from nature,.striviug to impart 
The best gl mortal blessings, health, unto 
Her royal patient, praised Orlinda grew 
So high in his deserved esteem^ that, though 
Posterity doth ^to his frienddiip owe 
For their most perfect copy, knowing she 
Too much adored Pharonnida to be 
Her base betrayer, when hia health*s advance 
Gave way for language, every circumstance 
Declares which was in that so &tal night 
The sad preludiums to her secret flight. 
By whicl^ when she, whose love (though full ctf fire) 
Yet lay raked up in a remote desire, 
Unstirred by hope, with joy had learned that he. 
More than what friendsh^ patronized, was free> 
From all afPecti<m to the princess; . in 
Her eyesy which until then had clouded been* . 



Canto I. PH A RONNID A. 1 03 

Love, with as bright and pure a flame' as e'er 
Did in the shades of modesty declare 
Passion, breaks forth. Which happy signs by him 
Whose heart her eyes, e*en whilst they shone most dim. 
With mutual flames had fired;— that loyal love. 
Which fate in vain shall struggle to remove. 
Begins with flames as innocently bright 
As the first rays of new created light- 
But stay, rash reader! think not they are led 
Through these smooth walks unto their nuptial bed; 
But now, behold that their misfortune prove. 
Which thou hast wept for if thou e*er didst love, 
A separation/ The suspicion, that 
Sparta's vexed king (when first distempered at 
His daughter's loss) did of this stFanger prince 
Justly conceive, persuades him now, that since 
Not found within the Cyprian court, that he 
Who had been vainly sought abroad might be 
Yet lodged at home* Which supposition. bred 
So strict a search, that, though the silent dead 
Not silenter than her attendants were. 
Yet kind OrUnds, whom a pious care 
Prompted to save what she did yet possess, 
Whilst seeking with a lover's tenderness 
How to secure him, doth at length convey 
Her roving fancy to this hopeful way.*— 

Not long before, though now 'twere silencedf in 
Domestic ills, report had busied been 
In the relating of the sad distress 
Of a brave Lybiaa prince; \fhom Heaven, tc^^bleas 



104 PHAIIONNIDA. BfioklV^ 

With an efceroal crown, in midst oi all 
His yoQth*s fresh glories, by a powerful call 
Siunnioos to serve her: and ^at fiutb, which he 
|Iad from the early dawn of infiincy 
Sucked fmm the great Impostor of the East, 
Though now by time opinion's strength increast. 
Spite of a people*s prayers or fetlier's threat^, 
Wholly forsaking; which reyoU begets 
So much aversion, pity could invent 
Nought easier than perpetual banishment* 
To punish what their ikith, mistaken in 
Its objects terms a black apostate's sin. 

Disguised in such a dress as pity might 
Expect to encounter so distressed a wight 
As was that wapdering prince, attended by 
No train but what becomes the obscurity 
Of such a fortune, to the Spartan court 
Amindor comes; where, though the thick resort 
Of well Ip^own fHends might justly make him fear 
Some treacherous eye, knowledge could ne*er af^iear 
Through that black veil his happy art had took» 
To make him hke a sun-burnt Lybian lock* 

Yet what engaged them more than salety in 
Prayers to Heaven, his person had now been 
Not long the wonder of the court, before 
His fkirer virtues, which adorned him more 
Than the other could disguise, did justly prove 
The happy object of the prince's love: 
Whose influence, whikt it him to power did raise^ 
Taught b^y reflex the pec^le how to praise 



n^^v^^T''*^'". " ' ■ ■' •• . ^^•'^T ^ ■^if^m^v" i*->iaaii^PT^ 



'^f=:»" «•"■>.- 



That fair ekctioii, till the pyrainid, 
Kaiaed to his iame, had fixed its lofty head 
'Above the clouds of fortane. Yet not thia 
Fate*8 ftirest fmile, a lover** best of bliss*- 
A free commerce (which unsuspected mighty 
Though long and pleasant as the sammer*s light» 
Be ne'er disturbed) with fair Olinda, gives 
Content such fulness, that although he lives 
To all unknown but her alone, in that 
Enjoyed more than ambition e*er aimed at* 
And now from all the fruitless diligence 
Of inquisitions, and the vain expense 
Of time, retnmed were every troop that had 
Throu^ ibrlom hopes been active in the sad 
Search of Pharonnida; which' ending in 
A just despair, some that till then within 
The castle walls had (though as vainly) sought. 
Their sorrow forth before the grieved prince brought 
Brumorchus; whom they in a small lodge, where, 
Secured by solitude, the household care 
Of locks and bolts were vain, unsought, they found 
In the soft bands of grief's best opiate bound. 
Sleep; who, though throned within her ebon seat^ 
From lustls hot field appears but his retreat 
When tired with action ; for besides him they* 
Where's pdson'a antidote. Amphibia* lay 
Lpeked up in*s arms^ beheld. The air, with all 
Their voices struck, at length had raised a call 
That drowned their sleeping thunder; from the bed 
Brumorchus starting struggles to have fled 



106 PHARONNmA. Book TV. 

The shameful danger, whilst Amphibia creeps 
Beneath her sheets* protection, but nought keeps 
Pursuing vengeance back. They *re took and brought 
Before the prince; who, startled at the thought 
Of such a complicated crime, refers 
Their punishment to death*s dire messengers. 

The yet successful lovers, long ere this 
Safely arrived at their first stage of bliss— 
Florenza's low and envied roof, did there. 
Since speed was now the fiiirest child of care. 
Stay only to exchange their horse, and take 
With her a guide whose practic skill could make 
Their untrod paths femiliar. Through a low 
Dark vale,' where shade-alfecting weeds did grow 
Eternal strangers to the' sun, did lie 
The narrow path, frequented only by 
The forest tyrants, when they bore their prey 
From open dangers of discovering day. 

Passed through tiiis desert valley, they were now 
Climbing an easy hill, where every bough 
Maintained a feathered chorister to sing 
Soft panegyrics, and the rude winds bring 
Into a murmuring slumber; whilst the calm 
Mom on each leaf did hang her liquid balni». 
With an intent, before the next sun*s birth. 
To drop it in those wounds which the cleft earth 
Received fiom 's last day's beams. The hilFs ascen^ 
Wound up by action, in a large extent 
Of leafy plains, shows them the canopy 
Beneath whose shadow their large way did lie. 



CaJtfoJ. , PHARONNlIMr 107 

Which bemg looked o'er, whilst thankful praise did pay 
Their debts to Heaven, they thence with a convey 
Of prayers— those swift ambassadors, did send 
A hopeiiil glanoe toward their large journey's end. 

These 9hort surveys past, since the place assures 
A safe repose, to cool the calentures 
Of feverish action, down a way that led 
From Pleasure's throne unto her fragrant bed, 
A rank of laurek, spreading to protect 
The flowery path which not unpruned neglect 
Robbed of delight, they passed; the slow descent 
Soon brings them where her richest ornament 
(Although. with art unplighted) Nature in 
A lovely landscape wore, that oBce had been 
Sacred to the island's fhiitful goddess. Here 
Whilst they behold the infants of the year 
r the spring's unsullied livery clad, the fair 
And large-limbed trees preparing to repair 
Autumn's spent stock, from out a humble hill 
A tributary fountain did distil 
The earth's cold blood, and murmuring conveys 
It on n. bed of pebbles, till it pays 
Her debts to the neighbouring river; near to it 
Full choruses of fathered heroes sit 
Aibidst their willow mansions, to whose ease 
Their shrill notes call the sportive Dryades. 

Whilst by the brightest glories of that age 
This royal robe, worn in a hermitage. 
Is seen witli such a silent sad delight 
As smpoths the fiirrows of an anchohte, 



08 PHARONNI]>A« iSMr/r, 

Their sokiiiB walk had brought them to a green 

Skirt of that Biantk* fiuriy spread between 

Two moMy rocks* that near the crystal flood 

Appendices to larger moontains stood^ 

Near winch they saw, with moomfii] majesty 

A heap of solitary ruins lie, 

Half sepulchred in dust, the bankrupt heir 

To prodigal antiquity, whose fair 

Composures did, beneath timers pride sunk ]ow» 

But dim vestigia of their beauty show. ^ * 

Yet that it might unreverend gazers teH 
It once was sacred, Ceres' image^ feU 
From a throue^s qplendor, did neglected lie» 
Sunk with her temple to defonnity* 
Dark gloomy groves, which holy altars shade 
With solitude, such as religion made 
Full of an awful reverence, and drew 
The ravished soul fnan the world's wandering view» 
Circled the sacred valley: into one 
Of which our royal lovers were akne 
Retired, in private solitude to pay 
Sleep's forfeitures, whilst the. bright bloomy 4ay 
Sweats the hydroptic earth; but joy denies 
That sullen guest an entrance in their eyes. 
Their eyes* which, now like wandering planets met 
After a ra^ of cross aspects, and set 
Within a firmament of beauty, thence 
On Love's cold region dro|qped their influence^ 
Warmed by whose vigor, springs of pleasures had. 
Watering the\r cheeks» tbos^ fields in roses clad. 



4^i0 1. PHAROKNIDA. 109 

Fear, tkat till now had made them languuh in 
A dangerous hectic, or at best had been 
But eased with internals, which did include 
Ambiguous hopes in time*s vidssitade. 
Ceased to usurp; yet (though the throne expelled^ 
A large command in Reason^s empire held. 
Leading those parties which wise counsel sent 
Close ambuscadoed dangers to prevent: 
Nor could the conduct faiU assaUed by aught 
Within the circuit of extended thought; 
Deliberation, the souFs wary scout. 
Being still employed to lead fresh parties out 
^Gainst the known enemies of hope. But here 
Black troops of danger, undiscemed of fear. 
Assaults unrallied Fortitude, whilst she 
Slept *mongst the rose-beds of security. 

Exalted fax above the gross mistakes 
Of vulgar love — clothed in such thoughts as shakes 
Ripe souls from out their husks of earth to be 
Picked up by angek, joy's stenography 
In their embraces met; not with less strength 
Of love (though yet not to be wrought at length) 
Than that which meets m nuptial folds when they 
Reap Heaven's first blessing, in their bloods* allay 
Met their full seas of passion; yet both, calm 
As Virtue*4i brow, their blood but warmed like balm 
To pour in sorrow^s wounds, not Ixnled into 
A scum of lust ; the world^s first man did woo 
The blushing c^bpring of his side» the first > 
Unpractised viigi% with as great a thirst 



110 VBLnOWWLi BooklVj 

Of blood as tfaeir's, -when, in the safe defence 
Of paradise, each act was innocence. 

Here whilst their sweet emplojrment was discoime^ 
Taught iu the sqhool of virtue, to divorce 
Those maiden brides — their twisted eye-beams -^Sleep^ 
Which flies the open gates of care, did creep 
In at their crystal windows, to remove 
The lamp of joy filled with the oil of love. 
The princess' qpirita, fled .from the distress 
Of action into calm fiN^getfulnesB, 
Having the curtains drawn, Argalia*8 head 
Softly reposing on her lap, that4>ed 
Of precious odors, there receives awhile 
A rest, for sweetness — such as saints beguile 
Time with in their still dormitories, till 
Heaven*8 summons shall their hopes on earth fuIfiL 
Removed from them, feeding his hones in 
A weU-fleeced meadow, which that age had seen ' 
Till then ne*er lose its summer robe before, : 

Russet with age he put it off, and wore 
A glittering tissue furred with snow, did lie 
Their careful guide, Mcured; till frighted by 
A dreadful noise of horse, whose rushing wakes 
Him to behold^what seen, with terror shakes 
Off sleep's dechning weights, in such a strange 
Amaze as (forts surprised) the scared guards change 
Their swords for fetters: flying he looks back 
On the steel-fronted troop, till at his back < 
Approaching danger, gathering in a cloud 
Of death, overwhelms him; frighting with its loud 



Canto h PHARONNIDA, 111 

Exalted clamon from their then dosed eyes^ . 
Love's altarsy sleep's intended sacrifice. 

Shook from their slamt>er with the first salutes 
Of light to meet their ruin, thick recruits 
Of brave resolves into Argalia's breast 
Had swiftly smnmoned ; but the princess' rest 
ExchfOgfid for wild amazement: in which sad 
Restraint of spirits, life with beauty had 
Fled to the silent region, if not by 
Her roya] friend supported; who, the high 
Pitch of exalted anger, whilst he draws 
His sword to vindicate their righteous cause. 
Descends to comfort her. Thinking those troops 
Her other's messengers, his brave soul stoops 
Not to request a favor; but although 
Their multitude, in hope's account outgrow 
Life, more than those diseases which attend 
On age's cold extreme, he dares defend 
Love, though, by vigor of jrapreme commands. 
Deprived of fiLvor'^s mercenary bands. 

Prompted by power, that sovereign antidote 
^Gainst Nature's p<Hson— baseness, and by rote. 
Not art's fidr rules, taught lessons of defence. 
These dregs of men, not having mwe pretence 
Than what from riot was extorted, in 
Unwieldy throngs the conquest strive to win 
From single valour. Not the powerful prayer 
Of her, whose voice had purified the air 
To a seraphic excellence, the sweet 
Heaven-lov£d Pharonnida, could come to meet 



112 FHA&ONKIDA. £M)k IV. 

Hty in this nide wilderneai; her words. 
Losing their form in the wild air, affords 
Their bnsy iouk no heedftil leisure, but 
With wilder passioiis the souVs portals shut 

That sober friend to happy solitude. 
Silence, which long those bkst shades did mckidey 
By rude noise banished from her solemn throng 
Did in a deep and hollow echo groan; 
Whilst the brave champion, whose own worth djld bring 
Assistance, yet had in a bloody ring 
Strewed death*s pale triumphs, and in safety standi 
The dangerous business of so many hands, 
All which had in the grave joined palms, if by 
One stroke, that index unto victory, 
His sword, had not with sudden breaking proved 
Traitor t*tfae strength by whose command it moved^ 

Robbed ciUm safe defence^ valour's brave flame 
In vain is i^nt; that pyramid of &me. 
Built by his hand o'er Love's ftdr temple, now 
Even in the view of *s saint, is forced to bow 
Beneath an earthquake* His commanding sou). 
In this sharp conflict striving to control 
Nature, rebellious to her power, lets fly 
In vain the piercing lightning of the aye, 
Whose dark lids, drooping in a death*]ike closer 
Forbid high fury thundering on his ibes. 
He fidls, and from each purple sallyport 
Of wounds, tired i^rits, in a thick resort. 
Fly the approach of death; in wliich wild trance, 
His eyes did their declining lights advance 



Canto' L PHARONNIBA. 113 

Above their gloom of darkness, to convey 

The last faint beam of nature's falling day 

To his distressed Pharonnida. But she. 

In clouds of sorrow lost, was gone to be 

Close mourner for his rigid fate beneath 

A pale swoon's shady veil, and could not breathe 

One sigh to welcome those sick guest's, nor lend 

A beam to light them to their journey's end. 

Which being deprived of, in death's dark disguise 

Forgetful shadows did obscure his eyes. 

Branded with an ignoble victory. 
His base oppressors, staying not to try 
Whe'er fire remain in life's dark lamp, forsake 
Their bleeding shame, and only with them take 
The trembling ladies; whose amazement yet 
Griefs flood-gates shuts in a distracting fit 
Of wilder passions: circled in which cloud 
She*s hurried thence; and, ere that damp allowed 
Light through her soul's prospectives, had passed o'er 
Mudi of the desert, and arrived before 
A barren rock's proud front; which, being too steep 
For the laborious traveller, a deep 
Dark vault did pierce, whose dismal black descent 
Safe passage to a distant valley lent 

With slow ill-boding steps this horrid way 
O'ercome, they meet the beauties of the day 
Within the pregnant vale, a place that showed 
Some art had pruned what nature's hand bestowed. 
No earth-encumbering weeds, but wholesome plants. 
Such as relieve the winter of our wants, 

VoL« II. I 



n 



114 FJiARONNIDA. B(Mk IV. 

Were here in comely order placed; each tree;. 
Tired with his fruitful burden, stoops to be 
Eased by the lowliest hand; for want of which 
Their feeble stems had droi^ped them to enrich 
Their pregnant mother. This civility, 
Proclaiming more than art had meant to be 
The dress of deserts, did at first appear 
As if those useful blessings had, for fear 
That wasteful man should ravish them to feed 
His luxury, fled thither; none that need 
Such thrifty joys, in the circumference 
0*tlie valley seeming to have residence. 

All whose exalted pride did terminate 
The levelled eye, was a round hill that sat 
As centre to the golden vale; come near 
To which, vvhat did ext^emaUy ^^ppear 
A rock in ivy dressed, being entered, i^ewed 
The beauties of a gorgeous palace, hewed 
Out of the living stone, whose vaulted breast 
Had by the union of each part exprest 
The strength of concord. The black rock was all 
Tinselled with windows, over which did &11 
Thin ivy wreaths, like cobweb v^ils that shade 
The sallyports of beauty, only made 
To cool, not darken, and on those that sit 
Within bestow a shady benefit 

They being drawn near, a sad old man that sat 
Unwilling porter, from the spacious gate 
Withdrew the verdant curtaiu.->$he is now 
Entered the castle> where, could fear allow 



Canto L PH ARONNIP A . 115 

Her eyes that liberty, she had surveyed 

Buildings, whose strength with beauty joined, betrayed 

Time's modem issues to contempt, and by 

A lasting glory praised antiquity. 

But pleasure sfHreadiB her baits in yain; she sat 

Beneath tlie frozen arctic of her fate. 

Whilst he, from whose aspect she only felt 

Delightful heat, in*s winter-solstice dwelt. 

More to depress her sinking spirits, she 
Too soon finds cause to think that gravity 
She met in the entrance but the reverend shade 
Of injured worth, which accident had made 
Stoop to that bondage ;*>virtue drooping in 
His furrowed cheeks, as if disposed, she 'd been 
Thither confined within the walls, to let 
Imperious vice her painted banners set. 

A troop of wild bandits, villains whose guilt 
Shunned public haunts, Heaven's private blassings spilt 
There in luxurious riot, which, grown bold 
By toleration, durst f the light unfold 
Vice's deformedst issues; nought b' the name 
Of sin being known, but sm's betrayer, shame: 
In such a loose intemperance as reigns 
In conquered cities, when the soldier's pains 
With spoils of peace is paid, they lived. 'Mongst these 
Some few unhappy women^ kept to appease 
Lust's tumults, she beheld; whose looks betrayed 
A sickly guilt, and made the royal maid. 
Amidst her grief's cold symptoms, blush to see 
How pale they looked with lust's deformity. 



1 



116 PHARONNIDA. Book 1 F. 

Whilst these are viewed, with such a change aa that 
Poor village drunkards are enforced to at 
An officer*s approach, when the iiight grows 
Deep as their draughts, she sees them all compose 
Their late wild looks; nor was this dress of fear 
In vain put on, Almanzor did appear — 
Dreaded Almanzor, who on them had built 
A power, which though by unsuccessful guilt 
Banished t* the desert, forced their wants to be 
The helpless sufferers of his tyranny. 

Passed through the fear-dispersed throng, he*s to 
The princess come; where, startled at the yiew 
Of majesty, shrinks back. Unsteady haste. 
Which brought him there but to view beauties placed 
Within the reach of 's lust, assaulted by 
Objects that both to love and loyalty 
Had proved him an apostate, to retreat 
Within a bjush attempts; but that*s too great 
A friend to bashful virtue, in that face. 
Whose heart deposes her, to sprinkle grace. 

Ruffled witli this recoil of spirits, in 
Such troubled haste as novices begin 
New conned orations, he himself applies 
To the injured lady; whose brave spirit flies 
Not what she feared, but with the brave defence 
Of scorn opposes blushless impudence. 
Crushing the embryoes of that language, in 
Whose guilty accents he attempts to win 
Opinion's favor, and by that redeenpi 
What former guilt had lost in her esteem. 



Cmto I. PHARONNIDA. 1 1 7 

Contemned with such a look as princes cast 
On oyer'bold usurpers, he is past 
The first encounter of her eye, and she 
Turned in disdain, to show her great soul free 
From low submission ; by which fired into 
A sullen anger, he resolves to mew 
The royal eaglet, until freedom grow 
A &vor, whose fair streams might overflow 
Those barren fields of indesert, in which 
His fortune pineB^-least this fair prize enrich 
The cursed soil, and on ita sur&ce place 
The long abstracted beams of princely grace. 

She to the narrow confines of a room 
Restrained, to let his ruffled thoughts- resume 
Their atlm composure— counsd^s throne, he goes 
Aside, and on that doubtful text bestows 
The clearest comment of his judgment; yet 
Falls short of truth, and must contented sit 
To know her there, though not the accident 
Which from her &ther*s glorious court had sent 
Her so ill guarded: but referring that 
To timers discovery, he, transported at 
What was a truth confirmed, within the wide 
Arms of his hope, grasps what aspiring pride 
Or lust's loose rhetoric, when youth's vigorous fire 
Beauty hath kindled, prompts him to desire* 

Yet by two several paths to tread that way, 
His crimes' dark roads, lust and ambition, lay,. 
The poor Florenza, that long since had beea 
The trembling object of the baser sin» 



1 1 8 PHAAONNIDAi IMc IF. 

To make bis tly accen to either free 

From the other*8 thoii|^it% mimt from her hidy be 

In this dark storm removed; he feariDg leM 

That counsel aidiof virtue in distress. 

Though wanting sirengtti the battle to maintain^ 

Might countermine the engine of his brain* 

To this sad separation leaving them. 
Whom innocence had licensed to condemn 
Fortune*s harsh discipline, Ahnanzor goes, 
Fate*s dark enigmas, by the help of those 
That took her, to unveil; but 'twas a work 
Too fuU of subtle mystery :— A Turk, 
Her brave defender, by those garments which 
Rash fear had only rifled to enrich 
Nice inquisitioo, seemed. By which betrayed 
To dark mistakes, his policy obeyed 
Domestic counsels; and by subtie spiei^ 
Whose ears were more officious than their eyes. 
Soon from the love-sick lady's close complaints 
His wiser knowledge with their cause acquaints. 



END or FIRST CANTO. 



Ml 



Canto IT. PHARONNIDA. 119 



CAitto t^t ^$t0ttsa^ 



ARGUMENT. 

From all the hopes of love and liberty 
O'eivhelmed in tKe vast ocean of her grief. 

The wretched princess is constrained to be 
A prisoner to her youth's first dreadfhl thiet— 

The cursed Almanzor; in whose dismal cell 
She ooimments on th6 YariotLS texts of grief 

In eveiy form< till from the tip of hell, 
When seeodng darkest, jost Heaven sent relief. 

DISTRACTED in the agOny of love, 
Pharonnida^ whose sad complaints did prove 
Her sorrow's tnie inteipreters, had made 
Argalia's name» wmjiped up in sighs, invade 
The ears of an unseen informer; whence, 
Alnianxor*s thoughts, delivered from suspense. 
Shake off their doubtftil dress of fears, and teach 
Hypocrisy by paths untrod to reach 
The apex of Hui hopes. What not th^ fear 
Of ills, whiM her own interest did appear 
The only shssrer, could pefforni^ he now 
Presumes affection to her friend would bow 



120 rHARONNIDA. Book IV. 

With low Bubmifision, if by that she might 
Aid his dim tftan with a reserve of Hght 

With frequent visits, which on sin's dark text 
Wrought a lair gloss, Almanzor oft had vext 
The calmer passions of the princess in- 
To ruffled anger; but when all could wia 
No entrance on her &vor, fury tries 
A harsher corrosive— Stem power denies 
Her even of those poor narrow comforts which 
Her souFs dark region, that was only rich 
In sorrow's .sables, could possess. Withdrew 
Were all those slippery parasites that knew 
To her no pity, but what did reflect 
The rays o'the tyrant's favor^ whose neglect 
Taught them the lesson of disdain, whilst ^e 
Her practised soul trained in humility. 

Pensive as an unpractised convert^ in 
A bath of tears she shadowed lies within 
The unfrequented room ; a curtained bed 
Her close retreat, till light's fiur angel fled 
The Swarthy region. But whilst here she Ues» 
Like a dark lantern that in black disguise 

Circles impnsoned light • 

Grieffrom the sullen world concealed: to turn 
The troubled stream — as if the silent urn 
Of some dead friend, to private sorrow had 
Sunmioned her hither, entered was a sad 
And sober matron; ini her hands she bore 
A light, whose feeble rays could scarce restore 



^^ 



Canto II. PHARONNIDA. ' 121 

The sick sacoesBor of the day unto 

A cheerfiil smile. Sad pilgrimsy that renew 

Acquaintance with their better angels by 

•Harsh penitence, have of humility 

Less in their looks than she ^— her habit showed 

Like costly ruins that for fiuhion owed 

To elder pride, in whose reversion she 

Appeared the noble choice of charily. 

This shadow of religious virtue drawn 
Near her disordered bed, a sickly dawn 
Of Ught breaks through the princess" clouded eyes 
To meet the welcome object ; the disguise 
Of sorrow, which at first appearance sat 
Fixed on her brow, a partner of her &te 
Making her seem. Nor was the fancy crushed 
In the infancy of faith, fair truth first blushed 
For verbal crimes. Near to the bed reposed 
Where the sad lady lay, she thus disclosed 
Her cause of entrance:— *' Cease, &ir stranger, to 
Mcmopolize a sonow,. which not you « 

Here share alone ; pity, instructed by 
Experience in the rules of misery,. 
Hath brought me finom complaining of ny own 
To comfort thine. This castle once hath known 
Me for its mistress, though it now behold 
Me (in the dress of poverty grown old) 
Demised and poor, the scorn of those that were 
Nursed into life by my indulgent care." 

This in her tears* overflowing language spoke. 
Persuades the pensive princess to revoke 



122 PBARONNrDil. Book JV. 

Dqpraved opinion^s dioom, coniteing she 

Wedded Bot grief t6 nngulaiity. 

But comfort in the jtdep of her words 

Was scarce dissolved, ere a reply affords 1 

Concetired re<)iiital, striving to prevent 

The oft more forward thtaks. ** Rise to content 

Fair soul, (she cries) ; be bnt so wise to let 

Sick passion die with just neglect, 1*11 set 

.Thy drofqped stars in their orbs again* I have. 

Forced by ccnmnand, a late attendance gave 

Unto a wounded stranger, that remains 

Within this castle in the heavy diains 

Of cruel bondage; from whose w^ht unless 

Your love redeeih himi, dark forgetfiilness 

Will dlaipT the cmrtains of the grave about 

His dull mortality, and the sick doubt 

Of hope resolve in death. This evening I 

Overheard his heavy doom, from which to fly 

He hath no reftige but your merey ; which 

Stripped of light passion, must be clothed in rich 

But graver robes of reason, when it sits 

In council how to reconcile the fits 

Of feverish love^when, being most piopense 

To pa»on*s heat, a* frost of abstinence 

Benumbs it to a lethargy. In brief, 

'TtB he, whose prosperous tytasmj the chief 

Command withm this castle gave, that in 

His swift destrOction doth att^npt to win 

Free pessage to enjoying you, then prove 

He friend to him that begs you to change love 



CuntoJL raAICONNIDA. 125 

For now more useftil pity, and l90 sare 

A life that must no longer lire to cniYe, 

If now denied. Tim ring (with that presents. 

A jewel, that, when love's first elements 

The harmony of faith united, fike 

Gave to confirm her vows) he sends to be 

A note that he denies whatever was made 

Authentic, when your mKed vows did invade 

Unwilling Heaven, which in your sufferance shbws< ' 

We may intoid, but wiser powers dispose." 

Pharonnida, whose fears confirmed, did need 
No more to wound a fancy that did bleed 
At all the springs of passion, being by 
The fatal present taught, whose libnty 
Her love's exchange must purchase, wi^ a sad 
Reverse of the eye beholding it, unclad 
Her sorrow thus:— '^ And did, oh, did thii come 
By thy commands^ Argalia? no; by some 
Unworthy hand thoa'rt robbed of it«-I know 
Thou sooner wouldst be tempted to let go 
Relics of thy protecting saittt*^>^Oh oease^ 
Whatever you are, to wrong him; the cAksi peace 
He wears to encounter death in, cannot be 
Scattered by any storm of fear. Woidd he. 
That hath affronted death in every shape 
Of horror, tamely yield unto the rape 
Of 's virgin honor, and not stand the shock 
Of a base tyrant's anger? But I mock 
My hopes with vain phantasms; *ti8 the love 
He bears to me, cMpries his fear above 



124 PHARONNIDA. Book IV. 

The orb of hk own noble temper to 
An unknown world o$famooBt in whose new 
RegionsambitiouiB grown, it BeorMkto &U 
Back to its centre— reason, whither aU 
The lines of action nnti) now did bend 
From *8 soul's circninference. Yet know, bis end. 
If doomed unto this cnrsed place, shall tell 
The bloody tyrant that my passing bell 
Tolls in his dying groans, and will ere long- 
Ring out in death-^if sorrow, when grown strong 
As fsAe, can raise the strokes of grief above 
The strength of nature ; whicb if not, yet love 
Will find a passage, where our souls shall rest 
In an eternal uni(m,^whilst opprest 
With horror, he, by whose command he dies,. 
Falls to the infernal powers a sacrifice^ 

** If that your pity were no fiction, to 
Betray my feeble passions, and undo 
The knots of resolution, tell my friend — 
I live but to die his, and will attend 
Him with my jHrayers, those verbal angels, till 
His sours on the wing, then follow him, and fill 
Those blanks our fate left in the lines of life 
Up witli eternal bliss, where no harsh strife 
Of a dissenting parent shall destroy 
The blooming springs of our conjugal joy/* 

Vexed by this brave difqplay of fortitude 
To sullen anger, with a haste more rude 
Than bold intrusions, lust's sly advocate 
Forsakes her seat^ and though affronts too late 



Cofitoll. PHARONNIDA. 125 

Came to create a blush, yet passion had 
Her cheeks in red revengers livery clad; 
Her eyes, like Saturn's in the house of death. 
Heavy with ills to come; her tainted breath 
Scattering infectious murmurs: with a look 
Oblique and deadly, the cursed hag forsook 
That ebon cabinet of grief, and hastes 
To teH AJmanzor how his passion wastes 
Mere spirits in persuasion's hectic, than 
If power had quenched ambition's fever when 
'Twas first inflamed with hope, whose cordials prove 
Oft slow as opiates in the heat of love. 

This, with a heat that spoiled digestion, by 
The angry tyrant heard, rage did untie 
The curls of passion, whose soft trammels had 
Crisped smooth hypocrisy ; from which unclad. 
Developed nature shows her unfiled dress 
Rough as an angry friend, by no distress 
Of beauty to be calmed. Since sly deceit 
Virtue had now unmasked, no candid bait 
Conceals his thoughts, which soon in public shows 
From what black sea those mists of passion rose. 

Day's sepulchre, the ebon-arched night. 
Was raised above the battlements of light; 
The phrenzied world's allaying opiate, sleep, 
O'ertaking action, did in silence steep 
The various fruits of labor, and from thence 
Recovers what pays for her time's expense: 
In which slow calm, whilst half the drowsy earth 
Lay in the shade of nature, to give birth . 



126 rUARONMIPA. Book IV. 

Unto the burtkea of sick faocy--fear, 
GroaDs, deep as death^s alarunas, through her ear 
Fly toward the throne of r^son^ to inform 
The pensiye princessp that the last great sBtorm 
Of fate Y/aa now descending, beyond which 
Her eyes, Q*^rwhelmed in sorrow, must enrich 
Their orbs with love no more, but in the dawn 
Of life behold her friend's destruction drawn. 
Since threatened danger sad assurance gives — 
In those deep groans he now but dying lilies. 

More swiftly to destroy the fidling leaves 
Of blasted hope, with horror she receives. 
By a conv^ of wearied light, that strook 
Through rusty gates, intelligence which shoc^ 
The strength of fortitude— There was a room. 
Deep ^d obscure, where, in a heavy gloom. 
The unstirred air in sndi a darkness dwelt 
As masked Egyptians fitom Heaven's vengeance felt. 
Till by the struggling rays of a faint lamp 
Forced to retreat, and the quicksilver daiup 
Shod on the sweaty waUa, which hid within 
That glittering vdl, wom figures that had been 
The hieroglyphic epitaphs of those 
Which charity did to the earth dispose 
In friends)iip's last of legacies, except 
What is to cure loose fiune's diseases kept. 

Here, 'mmig^t the ruins of mortality. 
In blood disfigured, she beholds one lie. 
Who, though disguised in death's approacli, appears 
By*s habit, that confirmer of her feai-s 



Vmito 11. PHARONNIDA. 1 2/ 

Her getitl^ love, alone and helplesi, in 

The ^rasp of death* striTing in vain to win 

The field from that grim tyraot ; who had now 

Embalmed him in his blood, and did allow 

HifiSk no more apirits, but what in that strife 

Served to groan out the epilogue of life 

And then depart nature*s c^d stage* tQ be 

Sucked up from time into eternity. 

When thus the everlasting silence had 

Locked up his voice, and death's rude hand unclad 

His hovering soul, whose elemental dress 

Is left to dust and dark forgetfulness; 

When nature's lamps being snuffed to death* he lay 

A night-pieced draught of ones well modelled clay: 

With such a silent pace as witches use 

Tp tread o'er graves, when their black aria abuse 

Their cold inhabitants* his murderers were 

Entered the vault* from the siUuned floor to hear 

The cold stiff corpse; which having softly laid 

In 's doomsday's bed* unto the royal maid* 

Whose beauty* in this agony defiiced* 

Griefs emblem set* with eager speed they haste. 

Either a guilty shame* or fear tp be 
Converted by her form's divinity* 
Made them choose darkness for protection; in 
Whose hideous shade* she of herself unseen 
Is hurried thence unto that dreadful place 
Where he entombed lay* whom she muft embrace 
In death's dark lodgings; and* ere life was fled* 
Remain a sad companion of Uie dead— . 



128 FHARONNIDA. Book IV. 

Confining beauty, in youth's glorious bloom. 

To the black prison of a dismal tomb: 

Where, fast enclosed, earth's fairest blossom must 

Unnaturally be planted in the dust; 

Where life's bright star. Heaven's glorious influence, 

Her soul, in labor with the slow suspense 

Of lingering torments, must expecting lie, 

Till famine nature's ligatures untie« 

And can» oh, can we ever hope to save 
Her that 's in life a tenant of the grave! 
Can aught redeem one that already lies 
Within the bed of death, whose hot lust fries 
In the enjoyment of all beauties that 
The aged world ere had to wonder at! 
To feed whose riot, the well-tempered blood. 
That sanguine youth's smooth cheek mixed witli a flood 
Of harsh distemperatures, overflows, and brings 
Some to theur lodgings on the flammg wings 
Of speedy fevers; whilst the others creep 
On slow consumptions, millions from the steep 
And dangerous precipice <3i war: some in 
A stream of their own humors that have been 
Swelled to a dropsy, being even pressed to death 
By their own weight; whilst others part with breath 
From bodies w<»ii so thin, they seemed to be 
Grown near the soul's invisibility. 

But whither strays our fancy? have we left 
The woful lady in a tomb, bereft 
Of all society, and shall I let 
Mj wandering pen forsake her? Such a debt 



"■T' 



Canto 11. FHARONNIDA. 129 ^ 

Would bankrapt pity. The undistinguiahed day. 
Whose new-born light did but e'en then display 
Its dewy wings, when fiivt fiie was confined 
To the dark tomb, was now grown almost blind 
With age, when thus through filters black curtain brdke 
Unlooked-fer light: that daiteess— which didchoak 
All passages by which the thin air held 
Commerce witib neighbouring rooms, being now €X- 

pelled 
By the dim taper*s glimmering beams— let fall 
Part of the rays through an old ruined wsdl 
That fenced an ugly dungeon, whete the night 
Dwelt safe ats in the centre. By the tight 
Of which unlooked-for guest, some prisoners, wh» 
Had there beat staid, even till despairing to 
Be e'er released, in eager fqry tries 
To force their way, where their directing eyes. 
Led by the light, should guide theoi; come at length 
Where, with time's burden tired, the building^s strength, 
Lonng ils first firm union, was divorced 
With gaping clefts, an easy strength ei^rced 

Those feeble guards: but come into the room 

Where, o'er the living lady's sable txjitah. 

Hung the directing light, they there in vain 

For further passage seeking, were again 

To the black dungeon, horror's dismal seatv 

In sad despair making their slow retreat. 

Now near departicfg, a deep doleftil groan 

Reversed their ^pb, amazement almost grown 

To stupefaction iitays them, whilst they hear 

New sighs confirm their wonder, not theit fear; 
Vol. II. K 



'130 PBARONNIDA. Book IV>, 

Till thus Euriolusy whose bold look spoke 
The braver soul, the dismal silence broke. 

** Whatever thou art that ^overest here within 
This gloomy shadow, speak what wrong hath been 
Thy troubled ghost^s tormentor? art thou fled 
Ifrom woe to stir the dust o' the peaceful dead? 
Or com*8t from sacred shadows to lament 
Some friend*s dead corpse, which this dark tenement 
Hath lodged in dust?"* The trembling lady, hearing 
A human voice again, and now not fearii^ 
The approaches of a greater danger, cries:— 
** Whatever you are, fear mocks your faith ; here lies 
A woful wretch entombed alive, that ne'er 
Must look on light again ; my spirit were 
Blest if resolved to air, but here it must 
A sad companion, in the silent dust. 
To loathed corruption be, until the pale 
Approaching fiend, harsh famine, shall exhale, 
In dews of blood, the purple moisture, that 
Fed life's fresh springs:-— but none shall tremble at 
My doleful story, 'tis enough that &te 
Hath for this tomb exchanged a throne of state/* 

To active pity stirred, the valiant friends 
Attempt her rescue, but their labor ends 
In fruitless toils, the ponderous marble lies 
With too much weight to let the weak supplies 
Of human strength remove 't; which whiLt tiiey tried 
To weary sweats, kind fortune lends this guide 
To their masked virtue— The inforo^ing ear 
Proclaims approaching steps, which ushered fear 



Canto I J. PHARONNIDA; 131 

Into Ismander*s breast; but his brave friend, 

The bold Euriolus, resolved to end 

By death or victory, their bondage, goes 

Near to the gate, where soon were entered those. 

Which in Pharonnida's restraint had been 

The active engines of that hateful sin, ' 

With them, that hag whose cursed invention had 

Revenge in such an uncouth dressing clad« 

Whilst her Ismander seized, and with a charm 
Of nimble strength conunands, the active arm 
Of fierce Euriolus, directed by 
Victorious valour, purchased liberty 
By strokes whose weight to ^ark destruction sunk 
His worthless foes, and sent their pale souls, drunk 
With innocent blood, staggering from earth, to be 
Masked in the deserts of eternity. 

This being beheld by her whose hopes of life 
With them departed, she concludes the stiife 
Of inquisition by directing to 
An engine, which but touched would soon undo 
That knot which puzzled all their strength, and give 
The captive princess hopes again to Uve 
Within the reach of light; whose beams, whilst she 
Unfolds her eyes— those dazzled stars, to see, 
Dark misty wonder in a cloud overspread 
His faith that raised her from that gloomy bed, 
Amazed Euriolus; wliose zeal-guided eyes 
Soon know the princess through griefs dark disguise. 
Could his inflamed devotion into one 
Great blast of praises be made up, 't had gone 






132 PHARONNIDA. B$ok TV. 

Toward heayenly bowers on the expanded wings 
Of his exalted joy; nor are the springs 
Of life less raised with wonder in the breast 
Of 's royal mistress, whose free soul es^prest 
As much of joy as» in her clouded fiite. 
With reason at the helm of action sat. 

Here had they, masked in mutual wonder, staid 
To unriddle fiite, had not wise fear obeyed 
Reason's gra?e dictates, and with eager speed 
Urged their departure; for whose guide they need 
No more but her directions, who then lay 
Taught by the fear of vengeance to obey 
Their just demands. By whom informed of all 
That might within the castle's circuit foil 
With weights of danger, and taught how to free 
Confined Florenza, to meet liberty 
They march in triumf^ leaving none to take 
Possession there, but her whose guilt woukl make 
The torment just, though there constrained to dwell 
Till death prepared her for a larger hell. 
Whilst sleep's guards, doubled by intemperance, 

reigned 
Within the walls, with happy speed they gained 
The castle's utmost ward; and furnished there 
With such choice horses* as provided were 
For the outlaws nextiky's scouts, a glad adieu 
Of their loathed jail they take. Ismander knew 
Each obscure way that in their secret flight 
Might safety promise; so that sallen night 



CoMte/^ PHARONNIDA. 133 

Could not obstruct their paHMge, though, through 

ways 
So full of dark meanders, not the day's 
Light could assist a stranger. Ere the dawn 
0' the wakeful mom had spread her veih of lawn 
0*er the tsar virgins of the sfHring» they *re past 
That sylvan labyrinth, and with that had cast 
Their greatest terror off, and taught their eyes 
The welcome joys of liberty to prize. 

And now the spangled squadrons of the night. 
Encountering beams, had lost the field to light. 
The morning proud in beauty grown, whilst they 
With cheerful speed passed on the levelled way 
By solitude secure; of all unseen. 
Save early laborers that resided in 
Dispersed poor cottages, by whom they *re viewed 
With humble reverence, such as did delude 
Sharp-eyed suspicion, they are now drawn near 
Ismander's palace; whose &ir towers appear 
Above the groves^ whose green enamel lent 
The neighbouring hills their prospects* ornament. 

A river, whose unwearied bounty brings 
The hourly tribute of a thousand springs 
From several fragrant valties here, as grown 
So rich, ^be now strove to preserve her own 
Streams tmm the all-devouring sea, did glide 
Betwixt two hills, which nature did divide 
To entertain the smihng nymph, till to 
An entrance where her silver eye did view 



134 PHARONNIDA. Book IV . 

A wealthy vale she came— a yale io which 
AD fhiitful pleasures did content enrich; . 
Where all so much deserved the name of best. 
Each, took apart, seemed to excel the rest 

Rounded with spacious meads, here scattered stood 
Fair cowitry &rms, whose happy neighbourhood. 
Though not so near as justling palaces 
Which troubled cities, yet had more to please 
By a community of goodness in 
That separation. Nature's hand had been 
To all too liberal, to let any want 
The treasures of. a free inhabitant;. 
Each in his own unracked inheritance 
Where bom expired, not striving to advance 
Their levelled fortunes to a loftier pitch 
Than what first styled them honest, after rich ; 
Sober and sweet their lives, in all things blest 
Which harmless nature, living unopprest 
With surfeits, did require; their own flocks bred 
Their homespun garments, and on that they fed 
Which from their fields* or dairies* plenteous store 
Had fresh supplies r: what fortune lent them more 
Than an indifferent mean, was sent to be 
The harbingers of hospitality. 
Fair virgins, in their youth's fresh April drcst,. 
Courted by amorous swains, were un<^rest 
By dark suspicion, age's sullen spies. 
Whose spleen would have the envious counted wise. 
Love was religious here, and for to awe 
Their wilder passions, conscience was their law. 



Canto It. PH A RONNIDA. 1 35 

More to complete this rural happiness. 

They were protected from the harsh distress 

Of long-winged power by the blest neighbourhood 

Of brave Ismander; whose known greatness stood- 

Not to eclipse their humble states, although 

It shadowed them when injured power did grow 

To persecution, by which means he proved — 

Not fjsared for greatness, but for goodness Iov€d. . 

Which gentle passion his unhappy loss 

Had soured to grief, and made their joy their cross. 

But now their antidote approaches, he 
From heavy bondage is returned to be 
Their joyful wonder. At his palace-gate 
Being now arrived, his palace, that of late 
With's absence dimmed in her most beauteous age. 
Stood more neglected than a hermitage, 
Or sacred buildings, when the anful timesr 
To persecution aggravate their crimes: 
But being entered, sadder objects took 
Those outside wonders off; each servant's look: 
Spoke him a sullen mourner, grave and sad 
Their sober carriage, in no hveries clad 
But doleful sable, all their acts like those 
Of weeping wives, when they t'the grave dispose 
Their youthfid husbands. Yet all these were but 
Imperfect shadows of a sorrow, put 
In distant landscape, when to trial brought 
Near his fair Ammida*s; whose grief had sought 
As dark a region for her sad retreat 
As despeiate grief e'er made pale sorrow's seati. 



136 VHARONMIDA. Book tV. 

In sacred temples the neglected Imp 
So wastes its oil, when heresies do cramp 
Religion's beams ; with such a heary look 
Momurehs deposed behold themseWes forsook 
By those that flattered greatness; shot from all 
Those glorious objects of the world that caH 
Our souls in admiration forth, her time 
Being spent in grie( made life but nature's crime. 

The rough disguise of time, assisted by 
The meager gripe of harsh captivity. 
Had now expunged those chaiaeters by which 
Ismander once was known, and even the rich 
In love and duty rendered strangers to 
Their honored master; from whose serious view 
Neglective grief with^hraws them, so that he 
An unknown pilgrim might have gone to be 
Their*s and his own afflicter, had that fear 
Not thus been cured: — A spaniel, being of dear 
Esteem to Ammida, since the dehght 
Of her Ismander once, come to the sight 
Of *s first protector, stays not till a call 
Invites acquaintance, but preventing all 
The guides of reason by the sleights of sense, 
Fawning on's master, checks the intelligence 
Of *s more forgetfol followers. Which being seen 
By an old servant, (whose firm youth had been 
Spun out amongst that family, till by 
Grave age surprised),, it led his sober eye 
To stricter observatioos, such as brought 
Him near to tniO^ and on cootiactcd thought 



CVmto/r. PHARONKIBA. 137 

Raised a belief, which thougb it durst conclade 
Nought on the dark text, yet, i' the mBgnitnde 
Of hope exalted, by his joy he hastes 
To *s mourning mistress, tefis her that she wastes 
Each DUMiite more she spends io grie( if he 
Dares trust his eyes to in^ann his memory. 

Contracted spirits, starting from the heart 
Of doubtful Ammida, to every part 
Post through the troubled blood; a combat, fought 
Betwixt pale fear and sanguine hope^ had oft 
Won and lost battles in her cheeks, whilst she» 
Leaving her sullen train, did haste to see 
Those new come guests. But the first interview 
Unmasks Ismaoder;^ willed with love she flew 
To his embraces: ^as no faint disguise 
Of a coarse habit cooid betray those eyes 
Into mistakes^ that for directors had 
Love's powerful qptics; n«ptial joys unclad 
In all their naked beauties — no delight 
So full of pleasure^ the first active night 
Being but a busy and laborioua dream 
Compared wilh this-^tlus, that had swelled the streatt 
Of joy to fkinting serfeits; whose hot strife 
Had overflowed the crimson sea of hfe,. 
If not restrained by a desire to keep — 
What each had lost in the eternal sleep. 

But now broke through the epileptic mist 
Of amorous rapture, rallied spirits twist 
Again their optic cordage; whose mixed beams 
Now separate, and on collateral streams 



138 PHARONMDA* Book IV. 

Dispersed expresoons of laffection bore 

To each congratulating friend^ that -wore- 

Not out those favors with neglect, but by 

A speedy, though unpractic sympathy. 

Met their full tide of bliss. Glad fame, which brings 

Truth*8 messages upon her silver wings. 

In private whisper hovers for awhile 

Within the palace; every servant's smile 

Invites, a new spectator ; who from thence 

(Proud to be author of intelligence 

So welcome) hastes, till knowledge ranged, through all. 

Diffusive joy made epidemical: 

For though that noble family alone 

Afforded pleasure a triumphant throne,. 

Yet frolic mirth did find a residence 

In every neighbour's bosom. They dispense 

With their allegiance to their labor, and 

Revel in lusty cups; the brown bowls stand 

With amber liquor filled, whose fruitful tears 

Dropped loved Ismander*8 health, till it appears 

In sanguine tincture on their cheeks. All now 

Had, if not calmed their passions, smoothed a brow. 

To temporize with pleasure. The sad story 

Of his own fortune, and that age's glory, 

Pharonnida, whilst each attentive dwells . 

On expectation, brave Ismander tells.. 



END OF SECOND CANTO.. 



Canto UI. PHARONNfDA. 139 



tfunto t^ Cj^iiHr^ 



argument: 

From the sad' consort of her silent grief 
The princess doth with pleasing wonder hear 

Poor Vanlore's fate, and the nnjust relief 
Which his unworthy father freed firDm fear.. 

Whose hell-deep plots, the dregs of avarice. 
Had so defiled, that whilst he seeks for aid. 

His subtlety masked on the road of yioe. 
By his presumed assistant is betrayed. 

COMPOSING time did now begin to slack 
The rein of mirth; exalted joy shrunk back 
From pleasure's summer-solstice, and gave way 
For more domestic passions to obey 
An economic government; v^rhich brought 
Loose fancy on the vnngs of serious thought 
Back to her -sober home, in that to find 
Those several burthens that w^e left behind 
In the career of mirth; amongst which number, 
Pharonnida, that had let sorrow slumber,. 
In the high room of joy, awakes again 
That clamorous elf^ which she must entertain 



140 PHARONNIDA. BUok IV* 

At beauty*8 cost. Yet in thk dark retreat. 
From p1ea8ure*8 throne to sorrow's dismal seat. 
She finds a sweet companion ; one that had. 
By &tal love opposed, with loss unclad 
Delight of all his smamer-robes^ to dress 
Her trembling soul in sables of distress. 

The sad Silvandra (for surviving fame 
Hath on record so charactered her name) 
Being sister to returned Ismander, in 
This florish of triumphant joy had been 
So much eclipsed with gprie^ that oft her tears 
Dimmed beauty'»rays, whilst through them she appears i 

A fit compaoion for the princess to { 

Twist those discourses with, whose mourning clew 
Led through the labyrinth of their lives. They oil. 
In shades as secret as their closest thought 
With pensive paces meeting, sit and tell 
Stories so sad, that nought could parallel — 
But love and loss; a theme they both had been ' 
By rigid power made hapless students in* 

One eye-bright morning tempting them to take 
The start of time, soon as the lark did wake, 
Summcms them from the palace to the side 
Of a small wood, whose bushy crest, the pride 
Of all the flowery plains, they chose to be 
*Gainst the invading sun their canopy. 
Reposed beneath a full-grown tree, that spread 
His trembling arms to shade their fragrant bed. 
They now are set; where for awhile they view 
The distant vale, whikit contem|^ation grew 



CmdQ III. PHARONNIDA, 14 1 

Pregnant with wander, whose next protperous birth 
Had been delight, had they not sent their mirth 
In sad exchange, whibt tears did usher in 
Silvandra's fate; who, weejnng, did begin, 
Wjth such a look as did command belief. 
The late past story of a present grief. 

** In youder fields (with that directs her eye 
To a black fen, whose heavy earth did lie 
Low in a dark and dirty vale) is placed 
Amarus* castle, which though now de&ced 
More by the owner's covetous neglect 
Than time's rough strokes, that strength, which did 

protect 
Once its inhabitants, being now but made 
Use of when want doth with weak prayers invade 
The gates, being thought sufficient— if they keep 
The poor at bay, or, whilst his stiff hinds sleep. 
Their laboring beasts secure. But I, alas, 
Blush to discover that this miser was 
Father to my dead Vanlore, and to her 
Whose living virtues kind heaven did confer 
As blessings on my brother^ but the sun 
Ne'er saw two sweeter streams of virtue run 
From such a bitter fountain. This accurst 
And wretched man (so hated that he durst 
Scarce look abroad, fearing oppression would 
Be paid with vengeance, if he ever should 
Fall into the hands of those whose faces he 
Ground with extorticm, till the injury 
Fear clothed like justice), venturing once to view 
A manor, whose intemperate lord outgrew 



142 FHARONNIDA^ Bitok IV. 

In debts the compass of a bond, besides 

His cammon guard of clowns, fellows whose hides 

Served for defensive annour, he commands 

His son's attendance'; who, since from his hands 

Hacked tenants hoped for ease, he thought that they 

Would for that hope with reverent duty payk 

But vain mistakes betray opinion to " 

A fatal precipice, which they might view 

r the objects of each glance; oae side affords 

Large plains, whose flocks— the wealth of several lords^ 

By him contracted, but the spoils appears 

Of beggared orphans, f^ckled in their tears; 

Farms for whose loss poor widows wept, and fields. 

Which being confined to strict enclosure, yields 

To his crammed chests the starving poor man's food; 

For private ends robbing their public good. 

With guilt enclosed those ways which now had brought 

Him by some cottages, whose owners bought 

Poor livelihoods at a laborious rate 

From his racked lands ; for which pursuing-Hate 

Now follows him in curses : for in that 

They yet take vengeance ; till arriving at 

The thicker peopled villages, where, more bold 

By number made, the fire of hate takes hold 

On clamorous women, whose vexed husbands thirst 

r the fever of revenge; to these, when first 

They kindled had the flame, swiftly succeeds 

More active men, such as resolved their deeds, 

Spite of restrictive law, should set them free 

From the oppressor of their liberty^ 



^aj 



Canto in, PUARONNIBA* 1 4S 

** His son, the noble Vanlore, to appease 
The dangerous fury of this rash 4lisease» 
Spends all his stock of rhetoric, but in 
Fruitless attempts. His rustic guard had been 
At the first onset scattered, and were now 
Posting for salety-; whilst his son, taught how 
By frequent injuries to entertain 
Anger*s unusual guests, «hows it in vain, 
Though brave attempts of valour, by whose high 
Unhappy flame whilst circling foes did die 
Unworthy hecatombs for him, iat length 
Engaged him had beyond the power of strength. 
Though bacl^ed by fortune to redeem; which when 
Beheld by those whose characters of men 
In rage^were lost, they wildly persecute 
Revenge, till life, nature's harmonious fruit, 
Was blasted to untimely death." — And here 
Her fatal story in its full career. 
The memory of him, who 4lied to be 
The people's curse and crime of destiny* 
Grief did obstruct, whilst liquid passion feeds 
Her crystal springs; which stepped, she thus pro*' 
ceeds: — 

^ His brave defSsnder now retreating to 
The road ^to death, whilst he did vainly sue 
For undeserved nnnorse, Amarus lies 
Their fury's object; in whose wild disguise. 
Whilst giddy clouds of dark amazement dwell 
O'er his dim eyes, the exalted tumult fell 
In a black storm of danger ; in whose shade 
They drag him thence^— that fury, being made 



144 VHAEONNIDA. Book IV. 

Wise by delays, ndgiit study tonnents great 

As was their rage; bat in their wild retreat 

They thus are stopped t-** A waaderiDg knight that near 

The place approached, directed by his ear 

How to infona his eye, arrives to see 

The wretched trophies of this victory ; — 

A dying son, whose latest beaoM <tf light 

Through death's dim optics bid the World goodni^^ 

With looks that did so bkck a sorrow limn — 

He frowned on earth, though Heaven did smile on him ; 

Hurried from thence by unrelenting hate, 

A living fether of more woful &te. 

**' Pity, that brave allay of manly heat. 
Persuades the noble stranger to entreat 
A parle with rage; which, being denied, he then 
Attempts to force; and since their ablest men 
Were wounded in the former conflict, soon 
Successful proves. Like mists T the pride of noon. 
Being huddled into hurtless ckmds, tiiey fly 
Before his fury, till flrom reach of the eye 
Shrunk to the wood's protection; where, whilst each. 
With such a fear as aimguine guilt did teach 
The world's first murderer, seeks for safety, he 
Retreating leaves the scattered herd—to be 
Their own afflicters; and hastes thence to And 
Him to whom fortune proved so strangely kind 
In his s^proach, as by his sword to be. 
When hqpe lost anchor, blest with Uberty. 
Come to the place where old Amarus lay 
With fear so startled, that he dumt betray 



ji.-u 



VNV I ■ ■ ■ ■ 



Canto in. JPHAAONNIDA. 145 . 

Life through no moticm; yet he*8 followed by 

That train of cowards^ which, though they did fly 

The dlingery when they saw th/eir foes pursued. 

On the reward-— the vicl(Mry» intrude; 

Whose easy spoils, those invitiUions to 

A Gow«jrd*s daring, sujch a diftftnee drew 

Them from their hon^ies, that th^y with Jabor were 

Readied fron) rifling enen^es tp bear 

Their feeble masters <tf,~ Amarus Uving, 

As weak with fear as Yanlore was with dying. 

** Before the black obstructions of the night 
Did interpose, they were arrived i* the spght 
O' the castle^s ruined wa][)s, a place whos^ hue. 
Uncouth and wild, banished delight unto 
Uncomely profit, and at distatnce gives 
A sad assurance — that itp owner lives 
By men so hated, and by Heaven u^bket. 
As he enjoyed not what he there possesit. 

** Come to the fn»it of the house, whose dirt forbid 
A cleanly entrance, he sees paveynents hid 
With heaps iof rubbish— 4ime's slow h&nd let lall 
From the neglected mans of th<e wajl; 
Green arbors, pleasant groves, ail which were now 
Swiftly dismaothng to make way for itJgi'plou^; 
Only his barns, preservers <^that stcnre 
Detamcd with curses from tlie pining poor. 
Their upper garments of warm thatch did wear 
So thick lio ke^ them dry, whilst jthin and bare 
E'en iiis own lodging stood; Uie hal)^ first built 
To have that wealth, which he in sparing spUt, 
Vol. II. L 



US PHARONNIDA. • BaA IV. 

Spent there in hoflpitality, ne'er by * 

More heat warmed than a candle gaye, did lie 
Moulded with lazy damps—the wall o'ergrown 
With moss and weeds— unhaunted and alone 
The empty tables stood; for never guests 
Come there, except thin bankrapts, whom distress 
Spurred on with sharp necessity to crave 
Forbearing moifths, which he, when bribed, forgave. 
Hence, by a rude domestic led, he goes 
To view the cellar, where, like distant foes, 
Or buildings in a new plantation, stand 
The distant barrels, yet from all command 
But his own keys exempted. To bestow I 

A welcome on him, which he ne*er did show f 

To man before, led by a rusty slave, 
Whose iron limbs, rattling in leather, gave 
Alarmns to the half-starved rats, he here - 
Is by Amarus visited; whose fear 
-That place should too much suffer, soon from thence 
Sounds a retreat to supper, where the expense 
Became a usurer's purse: yet what was by 
Sparing defective, neatness did supply, 
A- virtue, where repining penury 
Prepares, unusual; \git he soon -did see 
Whence it proceeds— The sad sweet Ammida 
Whom shame and grief attempted to withdraw 
From public view, was by her Mher's call. 
To crown that entertainment, brought; whose all 
Was else so bad, it the first visit might 
Repented make, not to the next invite. 



r 



Canto in. PHARONNIDA* 147 

'< Here, with afflicted patience, he had spent 
Some few, but tedious days, whose slow extent 
Behind his wishes flagged, ere he had seen 
Vanlore interred, whose obsequies had been 
In secret huddled up, but then prepares 
To take his leave; when adverse. fate, that shares 
Double with man's intentions, in the tart 
Of *s full resolves opposing, claims her part 
By hsgrsh collimand: — ^A dangerous fever, that 
Threatened destruction ere arriving at 
Its distant crisis, and .on flaming wings. 
Posts through the blood; whose mass infected brings 
Death's banners near the fort of life, which in 
Acute distempers it attempts to win 
From nature's guards, had not the hot assault 
By youth sustained, made death's black army halt 
Whilst marching to the grave — ^the swift disease 
liike a proud foe repulsed, forced to give ease 
By slow retreats; yet of those cruel wars 
Left long remaining bloodless characters. 

*< But ere the weak Euriolus (for he 
Tliis hapless stranger was) again could be 
By strength supported, base Amarus, who 
Could think no more than priceless thanks was due 
For all his dangerous pains, more beastly rude 
Than untamed Indians, basely did exclude 
That noble guest: which being with sorrow seen 
By Ammida, whose prayers 4Uid tears had been 
His helpless advocates, she gives in charge 
To her Ismander-^that til} time enkrge 



148 PfiARONNIDAi Book IV, 

Her then restrained denres, he entertaui 
Her desolate and wandering friend. Kor vain 
Were these oommands, his enteitainment being 
Such as ofaserrant love thought best agreeing 
To her desires. But here not long he staid. 
Ere fortune, prompted by his wit, obeyed 
That artful mistress, and reward obtains 
By fine imposture for firm virtue^s pains.<^ 
The gout, that common curse of slothful frealth. 
With frequent pain had long impaired tiie health 
Of old Amarus, who, though else to all 
Griping as that, for case was liberal. 
From practised physic to the patient*s curse- 
Poor prattling women, or impoiGAois wone— 
Sly mountebanks, whose empty impudence 
Do frequent murders under health's pretence. 
He all had tried, yet found he must endure 
What, though some eased, none perfectly eonid core. 
Oft had his judgment, purse, and patience been 
Abused by cheats, yet still defective in 
The choice of men ; which error known unto 
My brother and Euriolus, they drew 
Their platform thus: --Euriolus, clad in 
An antic dress, which sfaovi-ed as he had been 
Physician to the Great Mogul, first by 
Ismander praised at distance, doth apply 
Himself unto Amarus; where, to enhance 
llie price of 's art, he first applauds the chance 
That had frcxn distant regi<ms thither brought 
Him to eclipse their glory, who had sought 



CaaioIII. PHARONNIDA. 149 

For't in bis cure before, then seconds that 

With larger promises; which, tickled at, 

Amarus vies with his, threatening to break 

His iron chests, and make those idols speak 

His gratitude, though, locked with conscience, they 

To his own clamorous wants had silent lay. 

** Some common medicines which the people prize, 
*Cause from their knowledge veiled in slight disguise. 
Applied to *s pain; and those assisted by 
Opinion, whose best antidotes supply 
The weak defects of art, he soon attains 
So much of health, that now his greatest pains 
Had been the engaged reward, had he not been 
By future hopes kept from ungrateful sin 
So for, that in performing action he 
Exceeds his passion*s prodigality- 
Large promises, vrith such performance, that^ 
Whilst his deluders smile and wcmder at. 
Thus speaks its dark originaL To show 
Euriolus how fortune did outgrow 
Desert in his estate, he was one day 
From th* castle walls taking a pleased survey 
Of spacious fields, whose soils, made fertile by 
Luxurious art, in rich variety 
Still youthful nature clothed; which, whilst he views. 
An old.suspiciiMi thus his tongue renews :«~ 

'' * How blest, my worthy friend, how blest had I 
Been in my youth*s laborious industry 
T have seen a son possessed of thisi But now» 
A daughter*s ipatch a stranger must endow 



tmm 






1 50 PHAHONNIDA. ^«>k ^V, 

With what I Ve toiled to g-et; and what is more 

My torment, one that, being betrothed before 

My 8on*s decease, wants an estate to make 

Her marriage blest. But knew I how to shake 

This swaggerer off, there lives,^ not £ir from hence. 

One that to match her to were worth the expense 

Of my estate; his name is Dargonel— 

A wary lad, who, though his land do swell 

Each day with new additions, yet still lives 

Sparing and close, takes heed to whom he gives^ 

Or whom he lends, except on mortgage, by 

Whose strength it may securely multiply. 

This worthy gentleman, with wise foresight 

Beholding what an object of dehght 

Our linked estates would be, hath, since I lost 

My heir, been in's intention only crost 

By this Ismander, who, though I confess 

A braver man, yet since a fortune less. 

Ne'er must have my consent; only since by 

Her contract I have lost the liberty 

Of second choice, unless I vainly draw 

Myself in danger of the o*erbusy law, 

I want some sound advice that might inform 

Me how to rid him, yet not stand a storm 

Broke from his rage. Although my daughter love- 

Him more than health, I shall command above 

Her feeble passions, if you dare impart 

So much of aid from your almighty art 

As to remove this remora.*— And here 

He stopped^ yet lets a silent guilt ap{>eair 



Canto in. PHARONNIDA. 151 

In looks that showed what else the theme s^ffoFd» 
He*d have coDceiyed, as being too foal for words. 
Which seen by him whose active wit grew strong 
In friendship's cause» as loath to torture long 
His expectations* thus their stream he stays 
With what at once both comforts and betrays: — 

'* ' Raise up your spirits, my blest patron, to 
Sublime content. Heaven sent me to renew 
Your souFs harmonious peace; that dreadful toy 
Of conscience wisely waved, you may enjoy 
Uninterrupted hopes. Yet since we must 
Be still most wary where we*re most unjust^ 
Let *s not be rash ; swift tilings are oft unsure^ 
Whilst moles through death's dark angles creep secure. 
Then, since it's full of danger to remove 
. Betrothed Ismander, whilst his public love. 
By your consent raised to assurance, may 
A granted interest claim— first let us stay 
His fury and the people's censures by 
A nuptial knot, whose links we will untie. 
Ere the first night confirms the hallowed band. 
By ways so secret, that death's skilful hand 
Shall work unknown to fate, and render you 
To the deluded world's more public view, 
A real mourner, whilst your curtained thought 
Triumphs to be from strict engagements brought. 
Besides the veiling of our dark design 
like virtue thus, this plot will sink a mine 
Whose wealthy womb in ample jointure will 
Bring much of dead Ismander's state, to fill. 



152 PHARONNIDA. Book JV. 

Ttie Tart deiire of wealth. This bdfig done, 

I with prerailiiig philtert will cutnm 

Sorrow's black bark, which wtulrt it Kes at driil^ 

ru so renew her ttiirth, no sigh flhill lift 

Its heavy sdls, which in a cahn neglect 

Shall lie ibrgot; Whilst what's not now respect 

To Dargonel, shall soon gtow up to be, 

like nature's utidis^overed sympathy^ 

A love so swift, so secret, all shall pause 

At its effects, whilst they admire the cause.* 

•* This by Amarus, with betief which grew 
Into applause, hebrd out, he doth renew 
With lai^ additions what he*d promised in 
His first attempts. Then hasting to begin 
The tragic scene, which must in triumph be 
Ushered to light, his known dcfblrmity 
Of wretched baseness for awhile he lays 
Aside, and by a liberal mirth betrays 
Approaching joy ; which, since incited by 
His wishes, soon lifts Hymen's torches high 
As their exalted hopes. The happy pair. 
Dear to indulgent Heaven, with omens £dr 
As were their youthful paranymphs, had been 
In the hallowed temple taught without a sin 
To taste the fruits of paradise; and now 
The time, when tedious custom did allow 
A wished retirement, come, preparing are 
To beautify their beds, whence that bright star, 
^Vho6e evening's blush did please the gazers* eyes, 
Eclipsed in sorrow^ is ordained to rise* 






Canto III. PHA RONMI J> A. 1 53 

But such whose superficial veil opprest 

Only her friends^ whose knowledge were not bkst 

With the design, which to our pros c ript loyers 

Euriolus with timely zeal discoyers. 

The morning opens* and the wakened bride. 

By light and friends surprised, attempts to hide 

Her bashful beauty, till their hands withdrew 

The curtains, which betrayed unto their view 

Ismander cold and stiff. Which horrid sight. 

Met where they looked for objects of delight. 

At first a silent sad amazement spread 

Through all the room, till fear's pale army fled 

In sad assurance; sorrow's next hot charge 

Began in shrieks, whoae terror did enlarge 

Infectious grief, till, like an ugly cloud 

That cramps the beauties of the day, grown proud 

In her black empire. Hymen's tapers she 

Changes to funeral brands, and, firom that tree 

That shadows graves, pulls branche«» which, being wet 

In tears, are where lore's myrtles flortshed set. 

Their ndptial hynms thus turned to dirges, all 

In sad exchange let cloudy sable fUl 

O'er pleasure's purple robes, whilst firom that bed. 

Whence love oppressed seemed, to their sorrow, fled 

To death for refuge, sadly they attend 

T the last of homes—his tomb, their sleeping friend : 

Who there, with all the hallowed rights that do 

Betray surviving friendship, left unto 

Darkness and dust, they thence with sober pace 

Return; whilst shrouded near that disnuU place 



154 PHARONNIDA. Bock IV, 

Euriolas conceals fainMelf, that 80, . * 

When sleep, whose aott excess is natnre^s foe. 

Hath spent her stupefactiFe qpiotes, he ^ 

Might ready to his friend'^B assistance be. 
** And now that minute come, which, to comply 

With art*s sure rules, gives natnre leave to untie 

Sleep*s powerful ligatures, his pulses beat 

The blood's reveille, from whose dark retreat 

The spirits thronging in their active ^ght, 

Hb friend he encounters with the early light ; 

By whose assistance, whilst the quiet earth 

Yet slept in night's black arms, before the birth 

O'the mom, whose busy childhood might betray 

Their close design, Ismander takes his way 
Toward a distant friend's, whose house he knew 

To be as secret as his love was true. 
There whilst concealed e'en from suspicion he 

In safety rests, Euriolus, to free 

Her fear's &ir captive, Ammida, hastes back 

To old Amarus; who, too rash to slack 

Sorrow^s black cordage by degrees that might 

Weaken mistrust, lets mirth take <^n flight 

Into suspected action, whilst he gives 

To'Dai^nel, who now his darling lives, . 

So free a welcome that he in *t might read,. 

If love could not for swift succession plead,. 

Power ^ould command; yet waves the exercise 

Qf either, till his empiric's skill he tries. 

Who now returned, ere Dargonel, that lay 

Slow to attempt since certain to betray, 



Canto II f. PHARONNIDA. 1 55 

Had more than faced at distance, he pretends 
To close attempts of art, whose wished-for ends. 
Ere their expecting faith had time to fear. 
In acts which raised their wonder did appear. — 

** Love^ which by judgment ruled, had made desert 
In her first choice the climax to her heart. 
By which it slowly moved; now, as if swayed 
By heedless passion, seems to have betrayed 
At one rash glance her heart, which now begins. 
To break through passion's bashfhl cherubins. 
Spreading, without a modest blush, the light 
Of morning beauty o'er that hideous night 
Of all those dull deformities that dwell. 
Like earth's black damps, o'er cloudy DargoneL 
Who, being become an antic in the mask 
Of playful love, grows proud, and scorns to ask 
Advice from sober thought, but lets conceit 
Persuade him how his worth had spread that bait; 
Which sly Amarus, who presumed to know 
From whence that torrent of her love did flow. 
With a just doubt suspecting, strives to make 
His thoughts secure, ere reason did o'ertake 
Passion's enforced career* Nor did his plot 
Want an indulgent hope ; like dreams, forgot 
In the delights of day, his daughter shook 
Off grief's black dress, and in a cheerful look 
Promised approaching love, no more disguised 
Than served to show strict virtue how she prized * 
Her only in applause; whose harmony 
Still to preserve, she is resolved to be. 



aaki 



1 56 FHARONNIBA. Book IV. 

If secret silence might with action dwell. 
Swift as his wish» espoused to Dargonel. 

'* More joyed than fettered captives in the year 
Of Jubilee, Amarus did appear 
Proud with delight; in whose warm shine, when *s haste 
Had with officious diligence embraced 
Euriolus, he, waving all delayo^ 
To Dargonel the welcome news conveys; 
Who, soon prepared for what so long had been 
His hope's delight, to meet those joys witliin 
The sacred temple, hastes. The place they chose 
For Hymen*s court, least treacherous eyes disclose 
The bride*s just blushes, was a chiq;)el, where 
Devoti(»i, when but a domestic care. 
Was by his household practised; for the time~ 
*Twas ere the mom blushed to detect a crime. 

** All thus prepared, the priest conducting, they 
With sober pace, which gently might convey 
Diseased Amarus in his chair, they to . 
The chapel haste: which now come near, as through 
The antient room they pass, a sad deep groan 
Assaults their ears; which, whilst with wonder grown 
Into disease they entertain, appears 
A sad confirmer of their doubtful feat's— 
Ismander, whom but late before they had 
Followed t' the grave, his lively beauty clad 
In the upper garments of pale death. Which sight 
The train avoiding by their speedy flight. 
Except the willing bride, behind leave none 
But lame Amarus; who, his chair overthrown 



Canto nt FHARONNtBA« 15/ 

By his afErighted bearers, there must lie 
Exposed to fear, which, when attempts to fly. 
Through often struggting, proved his labor vain. 
He groveUng lies unseen to entertain. 

** Thus far successful, blest Ismander thence 
Conveys his lovely bride, whilst the expense 
Of time being all laid out in fear, by none 
He was observed. Amarus long alone 
Lying tormented with his passions, ere 
His frighted servants durst return to bear 
Their fainting master off; but being at length, 
When greater numbers had confirmed the strength 
Of fortitude, grown bold, entering again 
The room, which yet fear told them did retain 
The scent of brimstone, there they only found 
Their trembling master, tumbling on the ground. 
Horror, augmented by internal guilt. 
Had iu his conscience* trepidations spilt 
Both prayers and tears, which, since Beaven*s law they 

crost. 
For human passions in despair were lost. 
Obscured in whose black mists, not daring to 
Unclose his eyes, fearing again the view 
Of that affrighting apparition, he 
Is hurried from that dreadful place, to be 
Their mirth, whom he (for fiendsi mistaking) cries 
For mercy to, scarce trusting of his eyes. 
When they unfolded had discovered none 
But such whom long he 'd for domestics known. 

" Yet to torment him more, before' these fears 
Wholly forsake him, in his room appears 



^58 PH;&ROi{NrDA; .BcokiK 

Some officers; Tvhose power, made dreadial by 

The dictates of supreme authority. 

As guilty of Ismander's death, arrest 

Him for his murderer. By which charge opprest 

More than before with fear, he, who now thought 

On nought but death, to a tribunal brought. 

Ere asked, confesses that foul crime, for which 

He this just doom receives :~Since to enrich 

What had before wealth*s surfeit took, this sin 

Was chiefly acted, his estate, fallen in 

Tthe hands of justice, by the judge should be 

Prom hence disposed of; then, from death to free 

His life, already forfeited, except 

Murdered Ismander, whom he tliought had slept 

In 's winding sheet, his hopeless advocate 

Should there appear. In which unhappy state 

The wretch, now ready to depart, beholds 

This glorious change ;~Ismander first unfolds 

Himself and her, who, bound by nature s laws. 

Implore his pardon ere they plead his cause; 

Which done, the judge, that his lost wealth might be 

No cause of grief, unmasking, lets him see 

Euriolus, by whom from th* worst of sin 

To liberal virtue he'd deluded been." 



END OF THIRD CANTO. 



Canto IV. .PHARONNIDA. 159 



tltanto t^ J^t^nvttt^ 



ARGUMENT. 

Whilst we awhile the pensiTe lady leave 

Here a clom moiimer for her rigid fate» 
Let 's from the dark records of time receiye 

The manner how Argalia waved the hate 

Of his malignant stars ; which, when they seem 
To threaten most, through that dark dond did lead 

Him to a knowledge of snch dear esteems- 
He his high birth did there distinctly read. 

FREED from the noise o'the busy world, within 

A deep dark vale, whose silent shade had been 

Religion's vei], when blasted by the beams 

Of persecution, far from the extremes 

Of solitude or sweaty labor, were 

Some few blest men, whose choice made heaven their 

care. 
Sequestered from the throngs of men to find 
Those better joys, calms of a peaceful mind. 
Yet though on this pacific sea, their main 
Design was heaven, that voyage did not restrain 
Knowledge of human arts, which as they past 
They safely viewed, though there no anchor cast; 



1 GO PHAROMKIOA. Botik IV. 

Their better tempered judgments comiting that 
But hoodwinked zeal, which blindly catches at 
The great Creator^s sacred will, without 
l^nowing those works that will was spent about; 
Which being the climax to true judgment, we 
Behold stooped down to visibility 
In lowliest creatures, nature's stock being nought 
But God in 's image to our senses brought 

In the fair evening of that fatal day. 
By whose meridian light love did betray 
Engaged Argalia near to death, was one 
Of these, heaven's happy pensioners, alone. 
Walking amongst the gloomy groves, to view 
What sovereign virtues tliere in secret grew^ 
Confined to humble plants; whose si^utucies 
Whilst by observing, he hk ait secures 
From vain experiments. Argalia^s page, 
Crossing a neighbouring path, did disengage 
His seriouB eye fipom nature's busy task. 
To see the wandering boy, who was to ask 
The way; for more his youdi's unprompted fear 
Expects not there, to the blest man drawn near. 
But when, with such a weeping innocence 
As saints confess those tnus whidi tfie expense 
Of tears exacted, he had sadly told 
What harsh fate in restrietive wounds laid hold 
Of *s worthy master, pity, prompted by 
Religious love, helps the poor boy to dry 
His tears with hopes of comfort; whilst he goes 
To see what sad catastrophe did close 



Canto IV. PfliLRONNIDA. 161 

Hiose bloody iscenes, whi<jh the imequkl 6ght 
Foretold, before fear prompted him to flight 

Not far they *d passed ^re they the place had found 
Where, groveling in a stream of blood, the ground 
His purple bed, the wearied prince they see 
Struggling T^ith death : from whose dark monarchy 
Pale troops assail his cheeks, whilst his dim eyes. 
Like a spent lamp, which, ere its weak flame dies. 
In giddy blazes glares, as if his soul 
W^e at those casements flying out, did roll, 
Swifter than thought, their blood-shot orbs; his hands 
Did with death*s agues tremble; cold dew stands 
Upon his clammy, lips; the springs of blood. 
Haying breathed forth the spirits, clotted stood 
On that majestic brow, whose dresldfiil frown 
Had to death*s sceptre laid its terror down. 

The holy man, upon the brink o*the grave 
Finding such forms of worth, attempts to save 
His life from dropping in, by all his best 
Reserves of art; selecting from the rest 
. Of his choice store, an herb whose sovereign power 
Noflux of blood, though falling in a shower 
Of death, could force; which gently bruised, and to 
His wound applied, taught nature to renew 
Her late neglected functions, and through short 
Recruits of breath, made able to support 
His blood-enfeebled body, till they reach 
The mooastry, where nobler art did teach 
Their simple medicines to submit to those 
Which skill from their mixed virtues did compose. 
yOL^ II« M 



162 PHARONNIDA, Book IV. 

Life» which the unexpected gift of fate 
Rather than art appeared, in this debate 
Of death prevaiUng, in shcnrt time had gained 
So much of strength, that weakness now remained 
The only slothful remora that in 
His l>ed detained him. Where, being often seen 
By those whom art alike had qualified 
For this relief, as one iOf them applied 
His morning medicines to a spacious wound 
Fixed on his breast, he that rare jewel found 
Which, in his undisceming infancy 
There hung by *s father, fortune had kept free 
From all her various accidents, to show 
How much his birth did to her favor owe. 

.^hook with such silent joy as he had been 
In calm devotion by an angel seen. 
The good old man, his wonder rarified 
Into amazement, stands: he had descried 
What, if no force had robbed him of it since 
'Twas first bestowed, ncme but his true bom prince 
Could wear, since art, wise nature's fruitful ape. 
Ne'er but in that had birth which bore that shape. 
Assured by which, with unstirred confidence 
He asks Argalia — Whe'er he knew from whence* 
When.nature first did so much wealth impart 
To earth, that jewel took those forms of art? 
But being answered— That his infiuicy. 
When first it was conferred on him, might be 
The excuse of 's ignorance; that voice alone 
Confirms his aged. friend: who, having known 



Canto IV. PHARONNJDA. 163 

As tnach of fortune, as in fate*s dark shade 
His understanding legible had made. 
From weak Argalia, to requite him leads 
Knowledge where he his lifers first copy reads 

Dressed in this language: 

" Twas, unhappy prince! 

(For such this story must salute you, since 

Told to confirm 't a truth) my destiny 

When youth and strength rendered me fit to be 

My dearest country*s servant, placed within 

Mantinea*s glorious court; where, haying be^n 

Made capable by sacred orders, I 

Attained the height of priestly dignity. 

Being unto him, whose awful power did sway 

That orowQy in dear esteem ; but honoris day. 

Which gilded then the courtly sphere, sunk dowo, 

1 lost my mitre in the fall o* the crown. 

Sad is the doleful tale; yet, since that in 

Tte progress you may find where did begin 

Your life's first stage, thus take it^When the court. 

Stifled with throngs of men, whose thick resort 

Plenty and peace called thither, being grown 

Sickly with ease, viewed, as a thing unknown, 

Danger's stem brow, which even in smiling fates 

Proves a quotidian unto wiser states; 

Whilst pride grew big, and envy bigger, we. 

Sleeping i'the bed of soft security. 

Were with alarums wakened. — Faction had. 

To show neglect's deformities, unclad 



164 PHARONNIDA* BmJc IV. 

That gaudy monster, whose first dress had been 
The night-pieced works of their unriper sin; 
And those that in contracted fortunes dw^lt^ 
Cahnly in favor*s shadow, having felt 
The glorious burthen of their honor grown 
Too large for all Uiat fortune called their own. 
Like fishes which the lesser fry devour. 
Pride having joined oppressicm to their power, 
Preyed on the subject, till their load outgrew 
Their loyalty, and forced even those that knew 
Once only to obey, in sullen rage 
To mutter tiireats, whose horror did presage 
That blood must in domestic jars be spilt. 
To cure their envy, and the people's guilt 

** These seeds of discord, which b^^ to rise 
To. active growth, by the honorable spies 
Of other princes seen, had soon betrayed 
Our state's obscure disease, and called, to aid 
Ambitious subjects, foreign powers; whose strength. 
First but as physic used, was grown at length 
Our wotst disease, which, whilst we hoped for cure^ i 

Turned our slow hectic to a calenture. 

** A Syracusan army, that had been 
Against our strength often victorious in 
A haughty rebers quarrel, being by 
Success taught how to ravish victory 
Without his aid, which only usefiil proved 
When treason first for novelty was loved. 
Seizing on all that in*s pretended cause 
Had stooped to conquest, what the enfeebled laws 



Cottto 1 V. PH ARONNID A. 1^5 

In vain attempted, soon perfoFtn, and give 

The teiitor death from what made treason live: 

This done, whilst their yictorious ensigns were 

Fanned by lame's breath, they their bold staiidardsbear 

Near to our last hopes; — ^an anny which. 

Like oft tried ore, disasters made more rich 

In loyal valour than vast numbeis, and 

By shaking fixed those root» on which did standi 

Their well elected principles; which here, 

Opprest with number, only did appear 

In bravely dying, when their righteous cause,v 

Condemned by fate's inevitable laws, 

Let its religion— virtue— valour —all 

That Heaven calls just, beneath rebellion fall. 

" Near to the endof tliis black day, when none 
Was left that durst protect his injured throne; 
When loyal valour^ having lost tlie day^ 
Bleeding within the bed of honor lay;- 
Thy wounded father, when hia acts had shown* 
As high a spirit as did ever groan 
Beneath misfortune, is enibrced to leave 
The field's wild fury, and some rest receive 
In faithful Enna; where his springs of blood' 
Were hardly stopped, before a harsher fiood> 
Assails his eyes:— Thy royal mother,, then 
More blooming than Earth's ftill-blown beauties when 
Wanned in the ides of May, her fruitful womb 
Pregnant with thee, to an- untimely tomb. 
Her fi&inting spirits^ in tliat horrid fright 
Losing the paths of life» from time, from light». 



16G PHARONNIDA. BofklV. 

And grief, iteal down.: yet ere she had discharged 
Her debts to death, protecting Heaven enlarged: 
Thy narrow lodging, and that hfe, which she 
Lost in thy &tal birth, bestowed on thee — 
On thee, in whom, those j(^s, thy fakher prized 
More than loved empire^re epitcHnized^ 

** And now, as if the arms of adverse &te. 
Had all conspired our ills to aggravate 
Above the strength of patience, we are by 
Victorious foes, before our fear could fly 
To a remoter refuge, closed within 
Unhappy Enna; which, before they win. 
Though stormed with fierce assaults, the restless sun 
His annual progress through the heavens had run; 
But then, tired with disasters which, attend 
A slow-paced siege, unable to defend. 
Their numbers from resistless famine, they 
With an unwilling loyalty obey 
The next harsh summons, and so.paostrate lie- 
T' the rage or mercy of their enemy*. 
But ere the city's fortune was unto. 
This last Mack stage arrived, safely withdrew 
Tthe castle's strength thy father was, where he^ 
Though f^ from safety, find» the time to be 
Informed by sober counsel how to steer 
Through this black storm; love, loyjdty, and fear». 
Had often v^ed judgments, but at last 
Into this form their fUll resolves were cast— 
** To cool hot action, and to bathe in rest 
More peaceful places,, dacknesa dispoasest 



#1 



J 



CanUf IV. PHARONNIDA. 167 

The day*s savereignty ; to usher whom 
Into her sable throne, a cloud's full womb. 
Congealed by frigid air, as if that then 
Tlie elements had warred as well as men, 
In a white veil came hovering down—to hide* 
The coral pavements; but forbid b'the pride 
O' the conqueror^s triumphs, and expelled from thence 
As that which too much emblemed innocence: 
Since that the city no safe harbour yields. 
It takes its lodging in the neighbouring fields; 
Which, mantled in those spotless robes, invite 
The prince through them to take his secret flight 

** In sad distress leaving his nobles to 
Swallow such harsh conditions as the view 
Of danger candied o'er, from treacherous eyes 
Obscured in a plebeian's poor disguise. 
His glorious train, shrunk to desertless I-— •- 
The sad companion of his misery ; 
He, now departing, thee, his infant son,^ 
Heir to his crown and cares, ordained to run- 
This dangerous hazard of thy life before 
Time taught thee how thy fortune to deplore. 
When venturing on this precipice of fate. 
We slowly sallied forth, 'twas cold and late; 
The drowsy guard asleep, the Gentries hid 
Close in their huts did shivering stand, and chid 
The whistling winds with chattering teetli. When now 
A leave as solemn as haste would allow. 
Of all our friends, our mourning friends, being took^. 
We, Uke the earth, veiled all in white,. forsook 



16S VHARCHflimA. Book IF. 

Ournllyport; wliikt dowly marching o*er 
The new-fijlen now» tliee in Us aims he bore* 
Whiht this imposture made the scared guards* when 
They saw us move — tiien- make a stand again» 
Either to think that dallying winds had i^yed 
With flakes of snow* or that their sight betrayed 
Their ftncy into errors; we were past 
The reach of danger, and in triumfA cast 
OS, with oqr fean» what had us sa&ty lent, 
When strength revised to save the iunocent. 
The eager lover hugs himself not in 
Such roseate, beds of joy, when what hath been 
His sickly wishes is possesBed, as we,. 
Through watchful foes arrived to liberty. 
Embrace the wdoome blessiog* First we steer 
Our course towards Syracuse, whose confines near 
The mountson stood, upon whose cloudy brow 
Poor Enna did beneath her rui^s bow» 

** The stars, clothed in the pride of light,, had sent 
Their sharp beams from theq[Mingled firmament,. 
To siker o*er the earthy which being embost 
With hills, seemed now enamelled o'er with-fitist; 
The keen winds whistle in the justlii^^- trees^ 
And clothed their naked limbs^in- hoary frieze; 
When, having paced some miles of crusted earthy 
Whose labor wanned our bloody befi»e the birth 
O* the sluggish morning from his bed had drawa 
The early villager, the sober dawn 
Lending our eyes the slow salutes of light,. 
We are encountered with the welcome sight 



^ 



MP «ii I « ■ n i^Hiii ■qr'^>*Wi'*>^«>'Tfr'^7'^^ ' "^"''^■C"''""^)* 



1 



Canto IV. PHAHONNIDA. 169 

Of some poor scattered cottages, that stood 

r the d^k shadow of a spacious wood 

That fringed an humble valley. Towards those. 

Whilst the still mom knew nought to discompose 

Her sleepy infancy, we went; and now. 

Being come so near, we might discover how 

The unstirred smoke streamed from the cottage tops; 

A glimmering light from a low window stc^ 

Our further course: we 're come to a low shed. 

Whose happy owner, ne'er disquieted 

With those domestic troubles that attend 

On lai^r rooft, here in content did spend 

Fortune's scant gifts; at his unhaunted gate^ 

Hearing u. kpock. he Hands notto debate 

With wealthy misers* slow 8Us{»cion, but 

Swift, as if 'twere a sin t& keep it shut, 

Removes that slender guard. But when he there 

Unusual strangers saw, with such a care 

As only spoke a conscicNis sjiame to be 

Surprised, whilst unprovided poverty 

Straitened desire, he starts; yet entertains 

Us so, that showed by an industrious pains 

He strove to welcome more*. Here being by 

Their goodness and our own necessity 

Tempted awhile to rest, we safely lay 

Far ftxMDi pursuing ills; yet since the way 

To danger by suspicion- lies, we still 

Fear being betrayed by those that meant no ill. 

Since oft their busy whispers, though they spring 

From love and wonder,' slow discoveries bring. 



170 PBAaONNIITA. Wtok IT. 

** Being now removing, since thy tender age 
Threatened to make the grave its second 8tage» 
If thence conveyed by us^ whose fondest love 
Could to thy wants but fruitless pity prove: 
* T* enlarge thy commons though encrease our fears,. 
To those indulgent rurals^ who lor tean- 
Had springs of milk to feed the«» thou remain*st 
An in&nt tenant; for thy owaname gain^st 
What since thou hast been known by ;• which when w« 
Contracted had to the stenography. 
Some gold, the last of all our wealth, we leave 
To make their burden light; which they receive 
With thankful joy, amazed to see those bright 
Angels display their strange unwonted light 
In poverty's cold region, where they had 
Been pined for want, if not by labor clad* 

** When age should make thee capable to telL 
Thy wonder how thy infancy had fell 
Prom honor's pyramids, a jewel, which 
Did once the splendor of his crown enrichr 
About thy neck he hangs; then breathing on 
Thy tender lips a parting kiss, we 're gone — 
Gone from our last delights to find some plaoe- 
Dark as our clouded stars, there to embrace 
Unenvied poverty, in the cold bed 
Of sad despair; till on his reverend head^i 
Once centre to a crown» grief makes. him wear 
A silver frost, by frequent storms of care 
Forced on that royal mount, whose verdure fadea^ 
Ere tinie^his youth's antagonbt, invades. 



Canto W. PHARONXI0iA. 1 7 1 

" Not far, throagh dark and unknown paths we had 
Wandered within those forests^ which, unclad 
By big winds of their summer's beauteous dress,, 
Naked and trembling stood, ere fair success. 
Smiling upon our miseries, did bring 
Us to a crystal stream,, from whose cold spring,. 
With busy and laborious care, we saw 
A feeble hermit stoqping down to draw 
An earthen pot, whose empty want su[^lied 
With liquid treasure, soon had satisfied 
His thirsty hopes: who now returning by 
A narrow path, which did directing lie 
Through the unfrequented desert, iinth the haste- 
Of doubtful travellera in lands laid waste 
By conquering foes, we follow, till drawn near 
To him whom innocence secured from fear, 
Disburthening of his stafP, he sits to rest 
What was with age and labor both opprest. 

" Our first salutes when we for blessings had* 
Exchanged with liinv being set, we there unclad 
All our deformed misfortunes, and, unless 
A kingdom's loss, deyel<^)ed our distress. 
Which heard with pity, that he safely might 
Be the directing Pharos, by whose light 
We might be safely guided from the rocks- 
Of the tempestuous world, his tongue unlocks. 
A cabinet of holy counsel; which 
More than our vanished honor did enrich 
Our souls (for whose eternal good was meant 
This cordial) with the world's best wealth, content, ' 



172 PHARONNII>A • Book IVs 

Content^ which flies Uie busy throne, to dwell 
With hiingry heimits in the noiseless cell. 

** More safe than age from the hot nns of yOOtfa^ 
Peaceful as iaith» free as untroubled tnlth. 
Being by him directed hither, we 
Long lived within this narrow monastry; 
Whose orders, being too strict for those that ne*er 
Had lost deUght i*the prosecuting care 
Of unsuccessful action, suited best 
With us, whose griefr compared taught the distrest 
To slight their own, as guests that did intrude 
On reason in the want of fortitude^ 
That brave supporter, which such comfort brings. 
That none can know but persecuted kings. 

** The purple-robe, his birth*s unquestioned right. 
For the coarse habit of a cannelite 
Being now exchai^ed; and we retired firom both 
Our fears and hopes, like private lovers loath. 
When solved irom the observant spy, to be 
Disturbed by friends, ffom want or greatness free. 
Secure and calm, we spent those haj^y days. 
In nought ambitious, but of what might raise ' 
Our thoughts towards Heaven, with whom each hour 

acquaints. 
In prayer more frequent than afflicted saints. 
Our happy isouls; which here so long had been 
Refining, till that grand reward of sin. 
Death, did by Age, his common harbinger-—* 
Proclaim *s approach, and warned us to defer 
For the earth's, trivial business nought that might 
Concern eternity, least life and light, 



j 



Cento IF. PHARONNIDA. 1 73 

Forsaking our dark mansions, leave us to 
Darkness and death, unfurnished of a clew 
Which nadght conduct, when time shall cease to be. 
Through the meanders of eternity. 

** Thy pious father, ere the theifs of age. 
Decaying strength, should his stiff limbs engage 
In an uneasy rest, to level all 
Accounts with heaven, doth to remembrance call 
A vow, which though in hot affliction made. 
Whilst passion's short ephemeras did invade 
His troubled soul, doth now, when the disease 
Time had expunged, from solitary ease 
Call him again to an unwilling view 
Of the active world, in a long journey to 
Forlorn Enna; unto whose temple he 
Had vowed, if fortune lent him liberty, 
Till tired with the extremes of weary age. 
The cheap devotion of a pilgrimage. 



END OF FOUaTH CANTO. 



■ ■ IMl ■ 11 



4 

1 



174 PHARONNIDA. Book IV. 



Cmto m dFiftli. 



ARGUMENT. 

To the grave author of this haj^y news 
The pleased Argalia with delight did hear, 

Till, whilst the fatal story he pursues, 

He brings his great soul neur the gates of fear 

By letting him in full disooroy know 
The dreadful danger that did then attend 

His royal sire ; who to his sword must owe 
For safisty, ere his sad aillictions esd. 

« FORSAKING now our solitary friends. 
Whose prayers upon each slow-paced step attends. 
From danger by a dress so coarse exempt, 
As wore religion to avoid contempt, 
Tlirough toils of many a tedious day, at last 
We Enna reach ^ where when his vows had past 
The danger of a forfeiture, and we. 
That debt discharged to heaven, had liberty 
To look abroad, with sorrow-laden eyes 
We view those ruins in whose ashes lies 
Sad objects of our former loss, not then 
Raked np so deep, but old observant meq. 



Canto r. PH ARONNIDii • 1 7^ 

When youths were in procession led, could tell 

Where towers once stood, and in what fights they fell; 

Which to confirm, some in an aged pride 

Show wounds, which then though they did wisely hide 

As signatures of loyal valour, they. 

Now unsuspected, with delight display* 

** Hence when commanded by the wane of Ught^ 
We sought protection from approaching night 
In an adjacent monastry; where we. 
The wandering objects of their charity. 
Although by all welcomed with friendly zeal. 
Found only one whose outside did reveal 
So much of an internal worth, that migiit 
To active talk our clouded souls invite 
From griefs obscure retreats; his grave aspect. 
Though reverend age dwelt with unpruned neglect. 
Seemed dressed with such a sacred solitude. 
As ruined temples in their dust include. 

^ My royal master, as some power divine 
Had by instinct taught great souls how to twine. 
Though 'mongst the weeds of poverty, with this 
Blest man consorting; whilst their apt souls misi^ 
In all their long discourse, no tittle set 
For man's direction in heaven's alphabet; 
Whilst controverted points, those rocks on which 
Weak faiths are shipwrecked, did with gems enrich 
Their art-assisted zeal, a sudden noise. 
Clamorous and loud, in the soft womb destroys 
That sacred infant ;-~The concordant bells 
Proclaim a joy, which larger triumph tells 



'1 



176 PBAEONNIDA. Book IV. 

To be of such a public biith» tliat they 
In <^uiet cdb fbr what they late did pray 
In tears— the souls overflowing language, now 
(Being by exaniple*s«oBunon rule taught how) 
They vary passions, and in manly praise 
Their silent prayers to hallelujahs raise. 
By'sXvift report informed that this day*s mirth 
From the proclaiming of their prince took birth. 
These priyate mourners for the public faults 
Of busy nations, by the hot assaults 
Of triumph startled from their gravity. 
Prepare for joy; all but grave Sophron: he 
Then with the pilgrim prince, who both were sat 
Like sad physicians when the doubtful state 
O'the patients threat^os death:— the serious eye 
Of Sophron as a threatening prodigy 
Viewing tliat flattering smile of fate, which they 
Of shallower souls praised as approaching day. 

** When both, their souls from active words retired, I 

Awhile had silent sat, the prince desired ; 

To know the cause why in that triumph he « 

Of aU that convent found the time to be , 

With thoughtfiil cares alone; whom Sophron gave 
This satisfaction:—' Worthy sir, I have 
In the few hours of our acquaintance found 
In you such worth, *twould question for unsound 
My judgment, if unwilling to impart 
A secret, though the darling of my heart — 
Know then, this hapless ptxyviiice, which of late p 

Faction hath harassed, a wise prince, whom fate 



'^Iw 



I 






. CfHila F. FHAROMMIDA. 1 77 

Depriyed us o( once tided; but «o long nnce. 

That age hath learned from time how to coBvince 

The hot enormitieB of youth, since -we 

With such a ruler lost our liberty. 

For though at first, (as he alone had been 

Our evil genius, whose abode brought in 

All those attendant plagues), our Ibrtune seemed 

To calm her brow, and captive hope redeemed 

In the destruction of our foes, which by 

A hot infection were enforced to fly 

From conquest near obtained: yet we, to show 

That only *twas our vices did overthrow 

The merits of his weaker virtues, when 

Successful battles had reduced again 

Our panting land from all ext^nal Ul, 

Domestic quarrels threatened then to kill 

What foreign powers assailed in vain, and made 

Danger surprise, which trembled to invade. 

For many years tossed by the uncertain wind 

Of wild ambition, we had sailed to find 

Out the Leucadian rockaof peace; but in 

A vain pursuit: for we so long^hadbcen 

A headless nuiltitude,. the Actions peers 

Oppressing the injured conunons, till onrfoars 

Became our fiite, fow having so mjuchleft 

Unsequestered, as might incite to theft 

Even those whcMn want makes desperate; all being 

spent 
On those that tumia th* wonftof pum^unent 



I Vol. II. 



N 



u^ 



178 FHARONMIDA* Botk IV- 



What wore protoctkn's name— villainft that we, 
EnAwced, maintimed to Chrittiaii tyraimy 
r flie injured name of justice^ such aa kqit 
LitigioiM oounieb^ Ibr whose Yotea we wept. 
From puniahment so long* till grown above 
Hie blinded people*a envy or their lorei^ 

** • But hitelytheaeprodigioinJieB, that led 
Us through the night of anarchy* being fled 
At the ap|»oach of one» who since hath stood 
Fixed like a sfaur of the first magnitude* 
Difiusive power, whidi then was only shown 
In ftction*s dress, being now rebellion grown. 
By the uniting of those atoms in 
One haughty peer, ambitious Zarrobrin ; 
Whose pride, that spur of valour, when *t had set 



1 



Him in the fkont of honor s alphabet^ ! 

The sole commander of those forces whence 

Our peace distilled, and in as large asense 

As subjedi dunrt, whilst loyal, hope to hare 

Adorn their tombs, the highest titles gave 

Of a depending h<Mior; to rqiay 

Their easy fidths that levelled had the way 

Unto his greatness, that command he made 

The steps by which he struggled to invade 

A throne, and .in their heedless votes include 

Unnoted figures of their servitude. 

** * When with attempt^ frequent «8 firuitless, I 
With others* whose firm love to loyalty 
Time had not yetesqpunged, faadoft in vain 
Opposed our power; which found too weak to gain 



C^mior, PHARONNIPA. 179 

Our country.-s fireedoniy we, as useless, did 

Retire to mourn for what the Fates forbid 

To have redressed. Since when, his pride being grown 

The people's burthen whilst he urged his own 

Ambitious ends, he hath, to fix their love 

On principles whose structure should not move. 

Unless it their allegiance shook, brought forth 

Their prince, whose &ther*s unforgotten worth 

Did soon command their full consent, and he. 

For treason feared, made loved for loyalty. 

But since that *mongBt observant judgments, this 

So sudden change might stand in doubt to mtss 

A &ir construction, to confirm *t he brings 

An old confosBor of their absent king's. 

The reverend Halophantes; one whose youth 

Made human hearts submit to sacred truth 

So much, that now, arrived to graver age. 

He (like authentic authors) did engage 

The people's easy fiiith into a glad 

Belief— that,, when his youth's afflictions had 

Unthroned their prince, he in that fatal liight. 

Wisely contracting his imagined flight. 

As roads unto destruction leaving all 

Frequented padis, did in night's silence call 

At's unfrequented cell; where, entertained 

With all tlie zeal that subjectB, which have gained 

From gracious sovereigns, study to express 

A virtue in, which thrives by the distress 

Of an afflicted patron's, he betrays 

Inquiring scouts, till some expunging days 



180 PBAaONNlBA. Bufkir, 

Make them forsake their inquisitioii in 
Despair to find: "which vacancy did win 
Time to bestow his infant burthen where 
Some secret friends did with indulgent care 
Raise him from nndisceming childhood, to 
Be such as now exposed unto their yiew/ 

** Thy iatiier, who with doubtful thoc^ts had heard 
This stotfy, till confirmed in what he feared. 
Starts intp so much passion as betrays 
Him, through the thick mask of those tedious days 
Time tead In thirty annual journeys stept. 
To Sophron; who, when he awhile had wept 
A short encomium to good fortune, in 
Such prostrate lowliness as seemed— for sin 
To censure guiltless ignorance, he meets 
His prince's full discovery; whom he greets 
With all the zeal, such whose uncourtly arts 
Make tongues the true interpreters of hearts. 
Do those wise princes whom they know to start 
At aguish flattery, as if indesert 
Ushered it ini^-Thoae that know how to rate 
Their worth, p];ize it by virtue, not by fsAe. 

** Witli arguments, which to assist he made 
Reason's firm power passion's light scouts idvade. 
He had so oft the unwilling prince assailed. 
That importunity at length prevailed 
On his resolves; firom peaceful poverty. 
His age's refuge, hurrying him to be 
Once more an agent unto fortune in 
Uncertain tojLls. Whose troubles to b^n. 



I 



Ornta r. PHARONNIDA. 181 

Leaving his prince to. so muck rest as thoBe 

Whose serious soula are busied to compose 

Unravelled thoughts into a method, now 

Sophron forsakes him, to discover how 

His fe]Iow peers of that lost party stand 

Disposed for actum, if a king*s command 

Should give it life; all which he finds to be 

So full of yet untainted loyalty. 

That in a swift convention they prepare 

By joining judgments to divide their care. 

From distant places, with such secret haste 

As did declare a flaming zeal, though placed 

In caution's shadow, old considerate peers. 

Such whose light youth the experienced w^ht of 

years 
Had long since ballast with discretion, met 
To see their prince, and to discharge the debt 
Of full obedience. Each had with him brought 
His state's surviving h^j/jpe^ snatched from the soft 
Hands of lamenting mothers, that to those. 
If fit for arms, they safely might dispose 
The execution of those councils, which 
Their sober age with judgment did enrich. 

** In Sophron's palace, which being far removed 
From the street's talking throngs, was most approved 
For needful privacy, these loyal lords. 
Whose ffdthful heartiK-the infallible recorda 
The heedless vulgar (whose negleolive sin 
Had lost the copies of aUegiauce in 



1S2 PHARONNIDA. BMJV, 

Thb interregnam) trust to, being met. 

To shim delays, man*s late repented debt. 

The prince with speed appears; whom no dii^aise 

Of youth's betrayer, time, oould froih theur eyes 

Long undiscovered Iceep: thjrou|^<the rough veil 

Of age, or what more poweiiul xiia prevail "'- 

On beauty's ruios, they did soon descry 

The unquenched embers of a majesty. 

Too bright for time to hide with curtains less 

Dark than that mansion of forgetfiilness— 

The grave, which man's first folly taught to be 

The obscure passage to eternity. 

** Thai their example might be precept to 
Unknowing youth, with all the reverence due 
To awful princes on their thrones, the old 
Experienced courtiers kneel ; by which grown bold 
In their belief, those of unriper age 
Upon their judgments did their &ith engage 
So fiir, that they in solemn vows unite 
Their yet concordant thoughts, which, ere the flight 
Of time should leave the day behind, denre 
To live in action. But this rising fire 
Of loyal rage, which in their breasts did bum. 
The thankful prince thus gently strives to turn 
Into a milder passion, such as might 
Not scorch with anger, but with judgment ligfat»-^ 

** 'How much 'tis both my wonder and my joy» 
That we, whom treason studied to destroy 
With near as much of miracle, as in 
The last of days lost bodies, that have been 



Canto V, PHARONNIDA. 18S 

Scattered amongst the elementi^ shall foe 

Conyened i'the court of iminortality. 

Depressed with fortune, and dis^ised with age, 

(Sad arguments, brave subjects, to engage 

Your loyal valour!) I had gone from all 

My mortal hopes, had not this secret call 

Of Heaven, which doth with unknown method ciirb 

Our wild intention, brought me to disturb 

Your peaceful age, whose abler youth had in 

Defending me exposed to ruin been. 

I had no more, my conscience now at rest. 

With widows* curses, orphan*s tears opprest; 

No more in fighting fields, those busy marts 

Whiere honor doth for fame with death change hearts. 

Beheld the sad success of battles, where 

Proud victors make youth's conquest age's care; 

But, hid from all a crown's fklse glories, spent. 

Like beauteous flowers, which vainly waste the scent 

Of odors in unhaunted deserts, all 

My time concealed till withered age should fall 

From that short stem of nature — life, to be 

Lost in the dust of death's obscurity. 

** 'When in the pride of youth my stars withdrew 
Their influence first, I then had stood with you 
Those thunderbolts of ikte, and bravely died. 
Contemning fortune, had that feverish pride 
Of valour not been quenched in hope to save 
My infant son from an untimely grave. 
But he, when from domestic ills omveyed 
In safety, being by treacherous fate betrayed^ 



• ■» 



1 84 PHA RONNI da; Book IV. 

Either by death or igQonnce» froiE what 

His Stan, when kindted first, were pointed al» 

Either lives not, or else oonceaked witfam 

Some coane diaguise, whose poveiiy hath been 

So long his dull companion, till he *s grown 

Not less to us than to himsolf unknown. ^ 

^ * All this being weighed in reason's scale, is tliem* 
Aught in *t can tempt decrepit age to bear 
Such glorious burthens^ Which if fortunate 
In the obtaining of, in Nature's date 
Can have no long account, ett I again 
What I had got with danger, kept with pain. 
Summoned by Death— the grenre's black monarch, mmt 
With sorrow lose? Yet since that Heaven so just^ 
And you so loyal I have found, that It 
Might argue fear, if I unmoved should sit 
At all your just desires, I here, i* the sight 
Of Heaven declare, tc^tber with my rig^t. 
To prosecute your liberties as far 
As justice dares to patronize a war.* 

** This, with a magnanimity that showed 
His youth's brave spirits were not all bestowed 
On the accounts of age, had to so high 
A pitch of zeal inflamed their loyalty. 
That in contempt of slow-paced counsels they / 

Did, like rash youth, whose wit wants tiine's allay, « 

Haste to unripe engagements, such as found 
The issue weak, whose parents are unsound* > 

** All, to those towns where neighbourhood had made | 

Them lov^ for virtue, or for power obeyed. 



GmU V. PHAROMNIBAw 1 85 

Whilst eabh with his peculiar gaard attends 
His honored prince,, employ their active friends; 
Who having with collecting trumpets made 
Important errands ready to invade 
The people*8 censure, ibr a theme to fame-* 
Their long-lost prince's safe return proclaim: 
Wluch, though at first a subject it appeared 
Only for ikith, when circumstance had cleared 
The eye of reason, from each nobler mind 
The embraces of a welcome truth did find. 
In public throngs, whilst every forward friend 
Spoke his resolves, his sullen foes did spend 
Their doubts in private whispers; by exchange 
Of which they found hate had no further range 
Than close intelligence, whose utmost bounds 
Ere they obtain, the useful trumpet sounds 
No distant summons, but close marches to 
His loyal friends; whom now their foes might view 
In troops, which if fiite fovor their intents. 
Ere long must swell to big-bulked regiments. 
Through country towns, and cities* prouder streets. 
The murmuring drum in busy marches meeti 
Such forward valours-husbandmen did fear 
The earth would languish the succeeding year ' 
For want of laborers; nor could business stop 
The straitened *prentice, who, the slighted shop 
Left to his angry master, (who must be 
Forced to abridge his seven years* tyranny). 
Changes the baser utensils of trade 
For burnished arms, and by example made 



1 B6 FHARONNIBA. Book IT* 

More valianty scorns tfaoee shadows which th^ feared 
More than rough war^ whilst *mongst the city^s herd. 

** To regiments from scattering bands being grownt 
From that to armies, whose big looks made known 
Those bold designs, which justice feared to own. 
Though her's till placed in Power*s imperial throne. 
They now toward action haste. Which to begin* 
Whilst castles are secured, and towns girt in 
With armed lines, whose pallisadoes had 
Whole forests o^ their whispering oaks unclad; 
The prince, his mercy willing to prevent 
Approaching danger, by a herald sent 
To Zarrobrin, commands him to lay down 
His arms, and, as he owed unto his crown 
A subject's due allegiance, to appear. 
Before a month was added to that year. 
Within his court; which now, since action gave 
Life to that body whose firm strength did save 
His life— by treascm levelled at, was in 
His moving camp. But this too weak to win 
The doubtful rebel; since his lawful right 
Swords must dispute, the prince prepares to fight. 

** Proud Zarrobrin, who had by late success 
Taught Syracuse how to avoid distress 
By seeking peace, like a black storm that flies 
On southern winds, which in a tumult rise 
Prom neighbouring seas, was on his march. But come 
So near the prince, that now he had by some 
Of 's spreading scouts made iiill dlsoovery where 
His army lay, whose scarce discovered rear 



Canto V. FHARONNIDA. 187 

Such distance Arom their well^aimed van appeared, 

Ti .at such, whose judgments were with numbers feared. 

Making no farther inquisition, fled— 

By swift report their pale disease to spread. 

Disturbing clouds, which rather seemed to rise 

From guilt than fear, spread darkness o'er the eyes 

O* the rebels, who, although by custom made 

To death fiuniliar, wish their killing trade 

In peace concluded; and with murmurs, nigh 

Grown to the boldness of a mutiny. 

Question their own frail judgments, which so oi% 

Had life exposed to dangers, that had brought 

No more reward than what preserved them still 

The slaves unto a proud commander's will. 

To stop this swift infection, which, begun 

In lowly huts, to lofty tents had run. 

Sly Zarrobrin, who to preserve the esteem 

Of honor, least liberality might seem 

The child of fear, with secret speed prevents 

What he appears to slight— their discontents. 

As if attending, though attended by 

Their young mock-priuce, whose landscape royalty 

Showed only fair when viewed at distance^ he 

Passing with slow observant pace to see 

E^ch squadron's order, he confirms their love 

With donatives, such as were &r above 

Their hopes if victors; then, to show that in 

That pride of bounty he 'd not strove to win 

Assistance by unworthy bribes, he leads 

Them fu fW>m danger^ since his judgment reads 



188 PBARONNIDA • Book IVi 

In hmg expeneoce— that authentic story^ 
Whose lines have taught the nearest way to glory. 
That soft delays, Hke treacherous streams, which by 
Submitting let the rash intruder try 
Their dangerous depth, to an unwilling stay 
Hi» fierce pursuers would ere long betray: 
AVhose force, since of the untutored multitude. 
By want made desperate and by custom rude. 
Would soon waste their unwieldy strength ; whilst titey. 
Whom discipline had taught how to obey. 
By pay made nimble and by order sure,. 
Would war's delays with easier wants endure. 

*' This Bound advice meeting with sad success 
From the pursuing army; whose distress. 
From tedious marches being too clanu>rou» grown 
For's friends* estates to quiet, soon was shown 
In actions such, which though necessity 
Enforced on virtue, made their presence be 
To the inconsiderate vulgar, whose loose glance 
For virtue takes vice glossed with circumstance. 
Such an oppression, that comparing those 
Which fled with mildness, they beliold as foes, 
Only their ruder followers, whom they cursft** 
Not that their cause, but conqpany was worse. 

'< When thus their wants had brought disorder in. 
And that neglect whose looser garb had been 
At first so shy, that what was hardly known 
From business then, was now to custxwi grown; 
This large limbed body, since united by 
No cement but the love to loyalty, . 



Canti r. PBARONNIDA. 189 

Lo«» those btuMT pute. Mich as to pfeMe 

Unworthy ends ttumed duty to disease, 

Retamingtonly those whose valour sou^t 

No mora reward than what with blood tiiey benight 

But here, to show that shnnberuig justice may. 

Oppressed with power, fiiint in the busy day 

Of doubtfol battle; when their valour had 

So many souls .from robes of flesh unclad 

Of his brave friends, that the forsaken prince. 

Whose sad success taught knowledge to convince 

The arguments of hope, iu^;uarded, left 

Unto pursuing foes, was soon bereft 

Of all that in this cloud of fortune might. 

By oppositipn or unworthy flight. 

But promise safety; and, when death denied 

Him her last dark retreat, to raise the pride 

Of an insulting foe, is forced to see 

The scorn of greatness in captivity. 

** Yet with more terror to limn iwrrow in 
His mighty soul, such friends, as- had nat been 
By death discharged in &tal battle, now 
Suffered so much as made even fear allow 
Her palest sons to seek iu future wars 
Brave victory, got by age*s honor—scars. 
Or braver death-^that antidote of shame. 
Whose stage nOne pass upon the road of fame; 
Those that &red best being murdered, others sent 
With life to more afflicting banishment** 

When thus by him, whose sacred order made 
The truth authentic, from his fortune*s shade 



i 



1 90 PH ARONN 1 DA* Boole 1 V, 

Ar^ia was redeemed; the prelate^ to 
Confirm his story* from his bosom drew 
The jewel» whidi having by ways miknown 
To him tiiat wore it opened, thefe was diown 
By wit contracted into art, as rare 
As his tliat durst make silrer spheres compare 
With heaven*s light motion, an effigies, which 
His royal sire^ whilst beauty did enrich 
His youth, appeared in such epitome^ 
As spacious fields are represented by 
Rare optics on opposing walls, where sight 
Is cozened with imperfect forms of light 

When with such joy as Scythians, that grow proud 
Of day, behold light gild an eastern cloud, 
Argalia long had viewed that picture, in 
Whose face he saw forms that said his had been 
Drawn by that pattern, with such thanks, as best 
The silent eloquence of looks exprest. 
The night grown antient ere their story*s end. 
With solemn joy leaves his informing friend. 



END or FOURTH BOOK. 



J 



VARIOUS READINGS. 



p. I. P. I' 

5 6 attendants. 41 18 

8 2 Platonicks. 4d 11 

10 hid. 44 S 

10 7 were. 45 1 

24 da 20 

26 close. 46 2 

26 sinks. 47 15 

16 11 •wreaking. 52 9 

17 8 equalled honored. 10 
10 errant 54 27 

21 22 acception. 28 

22 7 hasts. 57 24 

23 8 It self. 58 30 
9 aid. . 66 5 

26 16 dime. 8 

19 hands. . 64 14 

20 Rub. 75 1 
28 4 not. 21 
30 18 destruction. 81 28 
32 9 their. 82 7 

21 fort 85 3 
29 whose. 86 27 

36 25 distils. 88 30 
26 fills. 89 24 

37 7 leave no triumphs. 90 10 

38 16 crosse. 92 5 

39 16 did. 94 30 
26 hoary fish. 99 S 



it ought. 

makes. 

or. 

their region. 

night 

drew. 

ought. 

made. 

wildes. 

temper. 

ally. 

sight. 

bled. 

blusht 

hath. 

bring. . 

opened. 

heard. 

the. 

proclaim 

fill. 

into. 

disgest 

be. 

abroad. 

soldier hastes. 

brothcjc. 

captain. 



i ; 



192 



VARIOUS RHADINGS* 



P. L P. I 

99 8 find. 143 15 

100 17 informs. 144 8 

104 24 npt.been. 145 16 

105 14 True. 146 5 
27 Blocked.. 150 17 

106 S .There. 154 22 

107 13 linpleited. 158 4 
110 15 Time in. 20 

112 29 approach; in. l62 24 

113 13 where. 166 1 

117 25 rigorous. 167 26 

118 14 refled. 168 12 
19 ladies. 169 10 

120 19 curtain. 170 8 

122 22 counsel. 30 

126 2 alamos. 172 20 

128 10 to. 181 13 

130 20 now. 188 2 

131 28 knows. 4 

132 10 Urge.. 20 

133 5 there. 189 8 
139 10 rain. 19 
142 18 who honours. 



was. 

bids. 

honcMT. 

guess. . 

whom. 

taken.. 

change. . 

implores. 

where. 

steals. 

huds 

roseal. 

honor. 

'gainst. 

time by. 

for want. 

owe. . 

hath.. 

let 

take. 

fresh. 

Umb. 



1 



'I 






END OF VOL. II. 






- J 



p¥ 



1